





^c 






\ 












'V 



S> C -^. '' ^' '' . ^ 0^ X "" 



^:^' - .^%. 



T "O. ' 8 * ^^-^ -^ ■<. ^ * ii "> . 






4 V- ->■' * 






% 2 >> 

































, > .0' 



%%'^ 



-•x-^' 












PICTORIAL HISTORY 



OF 



THE UNITED STATES 



FOR SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES. 



By BENSON J. LOSSING, 

AUTHOR OF "the PICTORIAL FIELD BOOK OF THE B E T O LU T I O N," E T C. 



ILLUSTRATED BY OVER 200 ENGRAVINGS. 



,0^'^'^^^^ 






NEW YORK: 

F. J. HUNTINGTON.— MASOI^ BROTHERS. 

23 PARK ROW. 

OPPOSITE THE ASTOR HOUSE. /J ^jZ/- , 



S.^^ 







DESCRIPTION OF THE FRONTISPIECE. 



In front sits History, with her pen and tablet, making her records of human progress. Be- 
fore her lies the open book of Thk Past, full of her chronicles. Near her is a globe, emblem 
of the theatre of those achievements, whose memory she preserves. At her side is Art, 
delineating a map of the New World, in which we live, with the word Excelsior at the top, 
meaning "more lofty"— the destiny of our country. Upon a pedestal is a marble bust of 
Franklin, under which was written, by a distinguished French statesman, " He wrested the 
thunder from heaven, and the sceptre from tyrants." It indicates the perpetuity of the mem- 
ory of the founders of our Republic, to be like that of marble. Above the group, just soarmg, 
is winged Fame, bearing a medallion likeness of Washington in one hand, and her trumpets 
in the other. In the back ground is an unfinished Pyramid, emblematic of our Confederacy 
of States, continually increasing, and adding block after block of imperishable material to 
the wonderful structure, so high already as to overlook the nations of the earth. ihe 
branches of the olive and oak, on either side, symbolize the peace which prevails withm our 
borders, and the strength which it imparts. 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1854, by 
F. J. HUNTINGTON, 
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Southern District of New York. 



t'l^ 



t 



.\ 



U!^^ 



PRINTED BY J 

KLECTROTTPBD BY j 

^HOMAS B. SMITH. C. A. ALVORD, | 

216WiUiamSt.N.Y. 29 and 31 Gold St. 



mTRODUCTOEY OBSERVATIONS. 



Before commencing the preparation of the following pages, I carefully examined the vari- 
ous small histories of the United States in use, noted their obvious excellences and defects, 
and endeavored to learn what was needed in the arrangement of a plan more attractive and 
efficient for instructing the young people of our country in its wonderful story, than had been 
hitherto employed. Using the best results of the labors of others in this special field, for a 
foundation, I have constructed this volume of materials taken from the earlier, most elaborate 
and most reliable historians of our continent, on a plan which I believe will be found, by in- 
structors and pupils, to possess superior advantages as an easy and thorough method for teach- 
ing and acquiring an accurate general knowledge of events relating to the birth and growth of 
our Republic. 

The work is arranged in six chapters, each containing the records of an important period. 
The first exhibits a general view of the Aboriginal race who occupied the continent when the 
Europeans came. Tlie second is a record of all the Discoveries and preparations for settle- 
ment, made by individuals and governments. The third delineates the progress of all the Set- 
tlements until colonial governments were formed. The fourth tells the story of these Colonics 
from their infancy to maturity, and illustrates the continual development of democratic ideas 
and republican tendencies which finally resulted in a political confederation. The fifth has a 
full account of the important events of the fVar for Independence^ and the sixth gives a con- 
cise history of the Republic, from its formation to the present lime. 

I have endeavored to show the cause of every important event, and thus, by developing the 
philosophy of our history, to make it more attractive and instructive than a bald record of 
facts. And wherever the text appeared to need further elucidation, I have given additional 
facts in foot-notes. These may be profitably consulted by teacher and pupil, for they will 
greatly aid them in obtaining a clear understanding of the subject. 

The system of concordance interwoven with the foot-notes throughout the entire work, is of 
great importance to instructor and learner. When a fact is named which bears a relation to 
another fact elsewhere recorded in the volume, a reference is made to the verse and page 
where such fact is mentioned. A knowledge of this relationship of separate events is often 
essential to a clear view of the subject, and without this concordance, a great deal of time 
would be spent in searching for that relationship. With the concordance the matter may bo 
found in a moment. Favorable examples of the utility of this new feature may be found on 
\>'A'4Q 84. If strict attention shall be given to these references, the whole subject will be pre- 
sented to the mind of the student, in a comprehensive aspect of unity not to be given by any 
other method. It will greatly lessen the labors of the teacher, and facilitate the progress of 
the learner. 

To economize space and prevent confusion, the dates have been put in brackets in their 
proper places in the text. When the volume shall be used as a reading book, these inclosed 
fi:,';ire3 may easily be omitted. So with the references : they may be passed without notice ; 
and by these omissions the sentences will appear unbroken. The questions are few, and 
are suggestive and comprehensive. They are so constructed that the student will be com- 
])elled to acquire a thorough knowledge of the subject under consideration before a correct 
answer to the question can be given. Much of this part of the labor is left to the judgment 
of the teacher. 

The engravings are introduced not for the sole purpose of embellishing the volume, but to 
enhance its utility as an instructor. Every picture is intended to illustrate a fact, not merely 
to beautify a page. Great care has been taken to secure accuracy in all the delineations of men 
and things, so that they may not convey false instruction. Geographical maps have been omit- 
ted, because they must necessarily be too small to be of essential service. History should 
never be studied without the aid of an accurate Atlas. 

With these few observations concerning the general plan of this work, I submit the volume 
to the public, willing to have its reputation rest upon its own merits. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER L 

THE ABORIGINES. 

Section I. General Characteristics of the Indian Tribes, 7-— H- The Algonquins, 12.— III. The Huron- 
Iroquois, 16.— IV. The Catawbas, 18.— V. The Cherokees, 19.— VI. The Uchees, 19.— VII. The 
Natchez, 20.— VIII. The Mobilian Tribes, 20.— IX. The ~)ahcotah, or Sioux Tribes, 22.— X. The 
Extreme Western Tribes, 23. 

CHAPTER 11. 

DISCOVERIES. 

Section I. Scandinavian Voyages and Discoveries, 24. — II. Spanish Voyages and Discoveries, 25.— III. 
English and French Discoveries, 33. 

CHAPTER III. 

SETTLEMENTS. 

Section I. Periods of Settlement — Virginia, 44. — II. New York, 52. — III. Massachusetts, 54. — IV. New 
Hampshire, 69.— V. Maryland, 60.— VI. Connecticut, 62.— VII. Rhode Island, 65.— VIII. Del- 
aware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, 67. — IX. The Carolinas, 71. — X. Georgia, 72. 

CHAPTER IV. 

THE COLONIES. 

Section I. Virginia, 75.— II. Massachusetts, 84.— III. New York, 103.— IV. Maryland, 111.— V. Con- 
necticut, 114.— VI. Rhode Island, 117.— VII. New Jersey, 119.— VIII. Pennsylvania, 121.— IX. 
The Carolinas, 123.— X. Georgia, 130.— XI. A Retrospect, 132.— XII. The French and Indian 
War, 137. ' 

CHAPTER y. 

THE REVOLUTION. 

Section 1. Preliminary Events, 158.— II. First Year of the War for Independence, 172.— III. Second 
Year of the War for Independence, 182. — IV. Third Year of the War for Independence, 195. — 
V. Fourth Year of the War for Independence, 207- — VI. Fifth Year of the War for Independence, 
213.— VII. Sixth Year of the War for Independence, 221.— VIII. Seventh Year of the War for 
Independence, 229.— IX. Closing Events of the War for Independence, 239. 

CHAPTER VI. 

THE CONFEDERATION. 

Section I. Washington's Administration, 244. — II. Adams's Administration, 250. — III. Jefferson's Ad- 
ministration, 252. — IV. Madison's Administration, 258. — V. The Second War for Independence, 
264. — VI. The Second War for Independence, continued, 272. — VII. Monroe's Administration, 
279. — VIII. Adams's Administration, 283. — IX. Jackson's Administration, 286. — X. Van Buren's 
Administration, 291. — XI. Harrison's and Tyler's Administrations, 294. — XII. Polk's Admin- 
istration, 297. — XIII. Taylor's and Fillmore's Administrations, 310. — XIV. Pierce's Administra- 
tion, 318. 

SUPPLEMENT. 

The Declaration of Independence, 325.— The Signers of the Declaration, 331.— -Constitntion of the 
United States, 332. 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 




THE ABORIGINES. 



SECTION I. 



1. The Aborigines, or first in- 
habitants of a country, properly 
belong to the history of all subse- 
quent occupants of the territory. 
The several nations of red or cop- 
per colored people, who occupied 
the present domain of the United 
States, when Europeans first 
came, form as necessary materials 
for a portion of the history of our 
Republic, as the Frenchmen' and Spaniards,^ by whom parts of the territory 
were settled, and from whom they have been taken by conquest or purchase. 



^lL^^t^'' 



kiil^^ii 



-'''/ 



RED JACKET. 



1. Verse 2, p. 137. 



2. Verse 17, p. 37- 



Qicestion. — 1. What are Aborigines? and what their historical position? 



8 THE ABOKIGINES. 

2. The history of the Indian^ tribes, previous to the formation of settlements 
among them, bj Europeans,^ is involved in an obscurity which is penetrated 
only by vague traditions and uncertain conjectures. Whence came they? is a 
question yet unanswered by established facts. In the Old "World, the monu- 
ments of an ancient people often record their history. In North America such 
intelhgible records are wanting. Within almost every state and territory remains 
of human skill and labor have been found, 3 which seem to attest the existence 
here of a civilized nation or nations, before the ancestors of our numerous Indian 
tribes became njasters of the continent. Some of these appear to give indispu- 
table evidence of intercourse between the people of the Old World and those of 
America, centuries, perhaps, before the birth of Christ, and at periods soon after- 
ward.^ The whole mass of testimony yet discovered, does not prove that such 
intercourse was extensive; that colonies from the Eastern hemisphere ever 
made permanent settlements in America, or remained long enough to impress 
their character upon the country or the Aboriginals, if they existed ; or that a 
high degree of civiHzation had ever prevailed on our continent. 

3. Some refer the origin of the Indian tribes to the Phoenicians and other an- 
cient maritime nations ; others perceive evidences of their Egyptian or Hindoo 
parentage; and others find their ancestors among the "lost tribes of Israel," 
who "took counsel to go forth into a farther country where never mankind 
dwelt, "5 and crossed from north-eastern Asia to our continent, by way of the 
Aleutian Islands, or by Behring's Straits.'' These various theories, and many 
others respecting settlements of Europeans and Asiatics here, long before the 
time of Columbus, unsupported as they are by a suflSciency of acknowledged 
facts, have no practical value for the young student of our history. The proper 
investigation of such subjects requires maturity of judgment when reason and 
reflection have succeeded the eager credulity of childhood and early youth. 

4. When America first became known to Europeans, it afforded materials for 
wonderful narratives concerning its inhabitants and productions. The few na- 
tives who were found upon the seaboard, had all the characteristics common to 
the human race. The interior of the continent was a deep mystery, and for a 
long time marvellous stories were related and believed of nations of giants and 
pigmies ; of people with only one eye, and that in the centre of the forehead ; 
and of whole tribes who existed without eating. But when sober men pene- 
trated the forests and became acquainted with the inhabitants, it was discovered 
that from the Gulf of Mexico to the country north of the chain of great lakes,''' 
the people were not remarkable in persons and quahties, and that a great 

1. Verse 12, p. 28. 

2. Before the year 1607. 

3. Remains of fortifications, similar in form to those of ancient European nations, have been discov- 
ered. Also fire-places, of regular structure ; weapons and utensils of copper ; catacombs with mum- 
mies ; ornaments of silver, brass, and copper : walls of forts and cities, and many other things which 
only a people advanced in civilization could have made. 

4. A Roman coin was fonnd in Missouri ; a Persian coin in Ohio ; a bit of silver in Genesee County, 
New York, with the year of our Lord, 600, engraved on it ; split wood and ashes, thirty feet below the 
surface of the earth, near Fredonia, New York ; and near Montevideo, South America, in a tomb, was 
found two ancient swords, a helmet and shield, with Greek inscriptions, showing that they were made 
in the time of Alexander the Great, 330 years before Christ. 

6. IT F^sdras, xiii. 40-45. 

6. The people of north-eastern Asia, and on the north-west coast of America, have a near resemblance 
in person, customs, and languages ; and those of the Aleutian Islands present many of the characteris- 
tics of both. Ledyard said of the people of eastern Siberia, " Universally and circumstantially they 
resemble the Aborigines of America." 

7. Lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron, Michigan, and Superior. 



Question.i. — 2. How do we find the early history of the Aborigines of the United States ? What ap- 
pears to have been their relation to the rest of the world ? 3. What are the opinions of some respecting 
their origin? 4. What strange stories were told concerning some of the tribes? What did a correct 
knowledge of them show? 



THE ABORIGINES. 



9 



country^ '"" '""''''''' ^^^ institutions prevailed over that whole extent of 

ti^ ^^^t^'t:^ ^t; r;?xss;^ z-r 

Atlantic to the Mississippi, and beyond nanielv A Jovifr,? S?,r„ ', " "'" 
Chehokee, Catawba, 'u'chee, N/xcHErSuAtt^'^'H^oZ ^S'^"^' 
These occupied a region embraced within about twenty-four degrlts of latitude 
bldtTtlifn'UleTpVltSr- ^"^ ~™^'"« ^ greater%Ttl"'^n* 

per color, were tall, straight and well-pr'Sed thd eyrs blal 
?"ors^ ndVhSr noweri™„?' "T"' ^"^ P-f-^^ straigLt? thd^consmut^n" 

rej^Kirih^Cr^^^^^^ 

taef^rinfrstrnt inT'T." ""T''' <•""" ^>o '-nt inlpe :■; iZt 
.imes warm and constant in friendship, and occasionally courteous and nolitP 
7. The men were employed in warfhunting, and '^^'^^^"^ ^^^ P^^^^e. 

fishing. The women performed all menial sefrices 
They bore all burdens during journeys; spread the 
tents; prepared food; dressed skins for clothino-- 
wove mats for beds, made of the bark of tree?' 
and planted and gathered the scanty crops of corn' 
beans, peas, potatoes, melons, and tobacco. Their 
wigwams, or houses, were rude huts, made of poles 
covered with mats, skins, or bark of trees, and all 
ot their domestic arrangements were verv sim- 
ple. '' 

prepared 'Sfood''^^^^^ '^'*''^'^' '^^"^' ^^^ ^«^^«' ^^^h which they 

Thertbod coListPd oft f ''" "7"^^ ^"^^ habitations, and tilled their lands^ 

H^ir i!^ 1 ?l ^^^ ^^^ vegetables, and the me.at of the 

deer, bufifalo and bear, generally roasted upon the poincs of 

s icks, sometimes boiled in water heated by hot stones and 

ahvays eaten without salt. Their dress in summer was a 

sight covering around the loins. In winter they were clad in 

cW^^f fl^i beasts,^ often profusely ornamented with the 

b^r v.? ^f ' *'^^horns of the buffalo, the feathers of 

tooo^' Z, '" ^T "^ ^'}''- ^^'''' f^^^« ^^^^ often tat- 
lw« ' T? ?^^^'^^^^ P^^^ted with bright colors in hideous de- 
unon bpuf ' T""^^ was little tubes made of shells, fastened 
upon belts or strung m chains, and called wampum.^ It was 




WIGWAM. 




WAMPUM. 



try -■hfrf\i,Vs!ITZn1^^7^^^^^ F^^P^^' .^'■^^'^'>* P----« ^r sections of a coun- 

modes of expressing the^Kish la^n™ That W^nfffi ^k"'*''" ^""-^ Yorkshire have such different 

2'%Jt '■"•■""^^^ ^^'•^ correct an^drffi;,eS than the ift'e' '""^^''"^''^ f«^ t^em to understand each 

in the ay'o!Ssen.!ng\tttt'a! ''iVoffil" ttV' '''' ^^ '^ f--^'^ - ^ ^-''« «^-. -^ - 
liead- For a notice of the portrait see Note 2 p 10 " ^"^*'° ''°^ ^^**^^" ''^ ««el«^ °° J"« 

drilled in ^t'l^'^The'^fofn^^'^^JeTis^rt^oVtiTsTo^" '='''\''^f- • ^h- Part being split off, a hole is 
, iicn IS tnat ot bead s known as bugles, is produced by friction. They are 

terSfd1d~tyrc.rpyTf *£'^ltTrefe^1'^'^•l P°«^«-? Name them. What extent of 

7. What was the%hief^employmenTof\rnand^^^^^^^^ f^.^U^' *heir general charlcter? 

dress consist? What was tJbeir money and ksSser?^ ^- ^^ ^^^^ ^'^ ^^^" implements, food, and 

1* 



10 



THE ABORIGINES. 







i.ndia.n hieroglyphics. 



used in traffic, ia treaties, and as a token of friendship or alliance. "Wampum 
belts constituted records of public transactions in the hands of a chief. 

9, The Indians had no written 
Jp language, except rude hieroglyph- 

ics, or picture writings.' Their his- 
tory, consisting of records of warlike 
achievements, treaties of alliance, 
and deeds of great men, was, in the 
form of traditions, carefully handed 
down from father to son, especially 
from chief to chief. Children were 
taught the simple arts practised among them, such as making wampum, con- 
structing bows, arrows and spears, preparing matting and skins for domestic 
use, and fashioning rude personal ornaments. 

10. They were ambitious of distinction, and 
therefore war was their chief vocation,'-^ They 
generally went forth in parties of about forty 
bowmen. Sometimes a half-doz- 
en, like knights-errant, 3 went out 
upon the war path to seek re- 
nown in combat. Their weapons 
were bows and arrows, hatchets 
(tomahawks) of stone, and scalp- 
ing-knives of bone. Some wore 
shields of bark ; others wore 
skin dresses for protection. They 
were skilful in stratagem, and sel- 
dom met an enemy in open fight. Their close personal encounters 
were fierce and bloody. They made prisoners, and tortured 
them, and the scalps' of enemies w-^re tli u'- trophies of war. 
Peace was arranged by sache- ..-" ii. - i -l : ■■ ^ '^ach smoking 
the same " pipe of peace " ' solemn pledge 

of fidelity to the cor = 



-*^'- 




INDIAN WEAPONS. 1 




about half an inch l.i; -. . posed in alternate layers of white and bluish black, and valued, 

when they become a :iv(:<^,..,u^ iueaium, at about two cents for three of the black beads, or six of the 
white. Tlip- v%i»ro strung in parcels to represent a penny, three pence, a shilling, and five shillings of 
white ; p- i.v'v-^ I'vit amount in black. A fathom of white was worth about two dollars and a lialf, 
and ^' li'v,. ♦ ■.e dollars. They were of less value at the time of our war for independence. The 
OP' J, part of a atring and a belt of wampum. 

, cirt of a record of a war expedition. The figures on the right and left— one with a gnn, 
•iier with the hatchet — denote prisoners taken by a warrior. The one without a head, and 
:..!.< a bow and arrow, denotes that one was killed ; and the figure with a shaded part below the 
cross indicates a female prisoner. Then he goes in a war canoe, with nine companions, denoted by the 
paddles, after which a council is held by the chiefs of the Bear and Turtle tribes, indicated by rude fig- 
ures of these animals on each side of a fire. 

2. It was offensive to a chief or warrior to ask him his name, because it implied that his brave deeds 
were unknown. Red Jacket, the great Seneca chief, was asked his name in court, in compliance with 
n legal form. He was very indignant, and replied, " Ijook at the papers which the white people keep 
the most carefully" — (land cession treaties) — " they will tell you who I am." He was born near Geneva, 
New York, about 1750, and died in 1830. He was the last great chief of the Senecas. 

3. Knights-errant of Europe, six hundred years ago, were men clothed in metal armor, who went 
from country to country, to win fame by personal combats with other knights. They also engaged in 
wars. 

4. n, bow and arrow ; h, a war club ; c, an iron tomahawk ; d, a stone one ; e, a scalping knife. 

5. They seized an enemy by the hair, and by a skilful use of the knife, cut and tore from the top of 
the head a large portion of the skin. 

6. Sachem.i were the civil heads of nations or tribes ; cMef.t were military leaders. 

7. Tobacco was in genert.1 use among the Indians for smoJdng, when the white men came. The more 
filthy practice of cheirinq it was invented by the white people. The calumet was made of pipe clay, and 
oftjn ornamented with feathers. 



Questions. — 9. What were their literature and arts ? 
warlike habits, of the Indians? 



10. What were the weapons of war, and what the 



THE ABORIGINES. 



11 



11. Women were degraded to the condition of abject slaves, and they never 
engaged with the men in their amusements of leaping, dancing, target-shooting, 
ball-playing, and games of chance. They were allowed as spectators, with their 
children, at war-dances around lires, when the men recited the feats of their 
ancestors and of themselves. Marriage, among them, was only a temporary 
contract ; the men had the right to take wives, and dismiss them at pleasure. 
The affections were ruled by custom, and those decorous endearments and atten- 
tions toward woman, which give a charm to civilized society, were wholly un- 
known among the Indians. The sentiment of conjugal love was not always 
wanting, and attachments for life were frequent. There was no society to call 
for woman's refining qualities to give it beauty, for they had but few local 
attachments, except for the burial places of their dead. 

12. Their funeral ceremonies and methods of burial were similar throughout 
the whole continent. Tliej'- laid their dead, wrap- 
ped in skins, upon sticks, in the bottom of a 
shallow pit, or placed them in a sitting posture, or 
occasionally folded them in skins, and laid them 
upon high scaffolds, out of the reach of wild 
beasts. Their arms, utensils, paints and food, 
were buried with them, to be used on their long 
journey to the spirit-land. Over their graves they 
raised mounds, and planted beautiful wild flowers 
upon them. Relatives uttered piercing cries and 
great lamentations during the burial, and they 
continued mourning many days. 

13. Their religion was simple, without many ceremonies, and was universally 
embraced. They had no infidels among them. They believed in the existence 
of two Great Spirits ; the one eminently great was the Good Spirit, and the 
inferior was an Evil one. They also deified the sun, moon, stars, meteors, fire, 
water, thunder, wind, and everything which they held to be superior to them- 
selves, but they never exalted their heroes or prophets above the sphere of 
humanity. They also adored an invisible, great Master of life, in different forms, 
which they called Manitou, and made it a sort of tutelar deity.^ They had vague 
ideas of the doctrine of atonement for sins, and made propitiatory sacrifices with 
great solemnity. All of them had dim traditions of the creation, and of a great 
deluge which covered the earth. Each nation had crude notions, drawn from 
tradition, of their own distinct origin, and all agreed that their ancestors came 
from the North. 

14. Their government was a mixture of the patriarchal and despotic. All 
political power was vested in a sachem or chief, who was sometimes an heredi- 
ditary monarch, but frequently owed his elevation to his own merits as a warrior 
or orator. While in power, he was absolute in the execution of enterprises, if 




BUUIAL-l'LACE. 



1. They believed every animal to have had a prreat original, or father. The 
first buffalo, the first henr, the first bearer, the first eagle, Ac, was the Manitou 
of the whole race of the difTerent cieatures. They chose some one of these 
origfinals as Iheir specinl Mam'fou or guardian, and her ee arose the custom of 
having the figure of some animal for the arms or symbol of a tribe, called 
Mum. For example, each of the Fh^e Nations (see Sec. III.) was divided 
into several tribes, de.sifrnated The Wolf, The Bear, The Turtle, Ac, and 
their respective <o?«»i« were rude representations of these animals. When 
they signed treaties with the white people, they sometimes sketched outlines 
of their totums. The annexed cut represents the totum of Teuendagages, of 
the Turtle tribe of the Mohawk nation, as affixed by him to a deed. 



^ 



Que.itions. — 11. What was the condition of Indian women? What can you tell about Indian families? 
12. How did they bury their dead? How did the relatives of the deceased beliave? 1,3. What was the 
character of their religion ? What were their chief articles of belief? 14. What was the form of abori- 
ginal government? What was the influence of a chief? 



12 THE ABORIGINES. 

the tribe confided in his wisdom. Public opinion, alone, sustained him. It 
elevated him, and it might depose him. Every measure of importance was 
matured in council, which was composed of the elders, with the sachem as 
umpire. His decision was final, and wherever he led, the whole tribe followed. 
The utmost decorum prevailed in the pubhc assembhes, and a speaker was 
always listened to with respectful silence. 

15. Such were the inhabitants of the territory of the United States, when dis- 
covered by Europeans. Although inferior in intellectual cultivation and 
approaches to the arts of civilization, to the native inhabitants of Mexico' and 
South America, they possessed greater personal manliness and vigor. They 
were almost all wanderers, and roamed over the vast sohtudes of a fertile con- 
tinent, free as the air, and unmindful of the wealth in the soil under their feet. 
The great garden of the western world needed tillers, and white men came. 
They have thoroughly changed the condition of the land and the people. The 
light of civilization has revealed, and industry has developed, vast treasures in 
the soil, while before its radiance the aboriginals are rapidly melting like snow 
in the sunbeams. A few generations will pass, and no representative of the 
North American Indian will remain upon the earth. 



i^ .« ♦ »« »■ 



SECTION II. 

THE ALGONQUINS. 

1. The French gave the name of Algonquin, to an extensive tribe of Indians 
upon the Ottawa river in Canada, and it was afterward applied to that great 
collection of tribes north and south of the lakes, ^ who spoke dialects^ of the same 
language. They inhabited the territory now included in all of Canada, New 
England, a part of New York and Pennsylvania, the States of New Jersey, 
Delaware, Maryland and Virginia, Eastern North Carolina above Cape Pear, a 
large portion of Kentucky and Tennessee, and all north and west of these States, 
eastward of the Mississippi. 

2. The Algonquin nation was composed of several powerful tribes, the most 
important of which were the Knisteneaux in the far north, the Ottaicas, Chippe- 
ivas, Sacs and Foxes, Menomonees, Miamies, Pianl'eshaics, Poitaw atomies, Kkl-a- 
poos, Illinois, Shavmees, Powhatans, Corees, NanticoJies, Lenni-Lenapes or Dela- 
tvares, Mohegans, the Ne^v England Indians, and the Abenakes. There were 
smaller, independent tribes, the principal of which were Susquehannocks, on the 
Susquehanna in Pennsylvania ; the Mannahoacks, in the hill country between 
the York and Potomac rivers, and the Monocans, on the head waters of the 
James river in Virginia. All of these tribes were divided into cantons or clans, 
sometimes so small as to afford only a war party. 

3. The Knisteneaux yet (1854) inhabit a domain extending across the conti- 
nent from Labrador to the Rocky Mountains, and are the hereditary enemies of 

1. Verse 23, p. 31. 2. Note 7, p. 8. 3. Note 1, p. 9. 



Questions. — 15. How did they compare with the Mexicans ? What has civilized man effected in their 
country? What is their probable destiny? 1. Who were the Algonqcins ? What portion of ihe 
United" States did they occnpy ? 2. What were the chief tribes of the Algonquin Nation? 3. Where 
did the Knisteneaux dwell I Where did the Ottawas dwell? What are the chief events in their 
history ? 



THE ALGONQUINS. 13 

the Esquimaux, their neighbors of the Polar Circle. The original land of the 
Ottawas was on the west side of Xake Huron, but they were seated upon the 
river bearing their name, when the French discovered them. They claimed 
sovereio-nty over that region, and exacted tribute from those who passed to or 
from tlie domain of the Hurons} They assisted the Hurons in a war with the 
Five Nations- in 1650, and suffered much. The Hurons were almost destroyed, 
and the Ottawas were much reduced in numbers. Some of them, with the 
Huron remnant, joined the Ghippewa-s, and finally the whole tribe returned to 
their ancient seat [1680] in the northern part of the Michigan peninsula. Under 
their great chief, Pontiac, they were confederated with several other Algonquin 
tribes" of the North-west, in an attempt to exterminate the white people, in 
1763.3 Within a fortnight, in the Summer of that year, they took possession of 
all the English garrisons and trading posts in the West, except Detroit, Niagara.-^ 
and Fort Pitt.^ Peace was restored in 1764-5, the confederation was dissolved, 
and Pontiac took up his abode with the Illinois, where he was murdered. His 
broken nation sought refuge with the French, and their descendants may yet 
[1854] be found in Canada. 

4. The Chippewas and Potta w atomies, were closely allied by language and 
friendship. The former were on the southern shores of Lake Superior; the 
latter occupied the islands and main land on the western shores of Green Bay, 
when first discovered by the French in 1761. They afterwards seated them- 
selves on the southern shore of Lake Michigan [1701], where they remained until 
removed, by treaty, to lands upon the Little Osage river, westward of Missouri. 
They are now [1854] the most numerous of all the remnants of the Algonquin 
tribes. The Chippewas and the Sioux, west of the Mississippi, are their deadly 
enemies. 

5. The Sacs and Foxes are really one tribe. They were first discovered by 
the French at the southern extremity of Green Bay, in 1680. In 1712 the 
French garrison of twenty men at Detroit,^ was attacked by the Foxes. The 
French repulsed them, with the aid of the Ottaivas, and 

almost destroyed the assailants. They joined the Kickapoos 

in 1722, in driving the Illinois from their lands on the river 

of that name. The Illinois took refuge with the French, 

and the Kickapoos remained on their lands until 1819, when 

they went to the west bank of the Missouri in the vicinity 

of Fort Leavenworth. The Sacs and Foxes sold their lands 

to the United States in 1830. Black Hawk, a Sac chief, 

who, with his people, joined the English in our second war 

with Great Britain,' demurred, and commenced hostilities in 

1832.' The Indians were defeated, and Black Hawk, 9 with black hawk. 

many of his warriors, was made prisoner. 

6. The Menomonees were discovered by the French upon the shores of Green 
Bay, in 1699. They yet [1853] remain upon their ancient territory, but their 



1. Between the Ottairas and Hurons, were a tribe called Mississaguies, who appear to have left the 
ALGOKauiNS and joined the Five Nations, South of Lake Ontario; 

2. Oh. I., Sec. III., Verse 2., also Verse 4, p. 17. 

3. Verse 50, p. 156. 4. Verse 50, p. 156. 5. Verse 60, p. 156. 
6. Verse 2. p. 137. 7. Verse 6, p. 261. 8. Verse 5, p. 287- 

9. The picture is from a plaster cast of his face, taken when he was a prisoner in New York, in 183Z 
See Verse 5, p. 288. 




Qufxtions. — i. Where did the Chippewas and the PoUaicatomien dwell ? Where is their present home ? 
5. Who are the Sacs and Foxes ? and where did they dwell ? What are the principal events in their 
history ? 6. What do you know of the Menomonees and their neighbors f 



14 THE ABORIGINES. 

southern neighbors and friends, the Winnebagoes, have gone westward of the 
Mississippi/ 

7. The Mi AMIES and Piankeshaws inhabited that portion of the Ohio lying be- 
tween the Maumee river of Lake Erie, and the ridge which separates the head 
waters of the Wabash from the Kaskaskias. They were called Twightwees by 
the Five Nations, and English. Of all the Western tribes, these have ever 
been the most active enemies of the United States.'^ They have ceded their 
lands, and are now [1854] far beyond the Mississippi. 

8. The Illinois formed a numerous tribe, twelve thousand strong, when dis- 
covered by the French. They were seated upon the Illinois river, and consisted 
ofa confederation of five families, namely, Kaskaskias, Cahokias, Tamaronas, MicM- 
gamias and Peorias. Weakened by internal feuds, the confederacy was reduced 
to a handful, by their hostile neighbors. They ceded their lands in 1818, when 
they numbered only three hundred souls. A yet smaller remnant are now 
[1854] upon lands west of the Mississippi. 

9. The Shawnees occupied a vast region west of the Alleghanies,^ and their 
great council-house was in the basin of the Cumberland Eiver. At about the 
time when the Enghsh first landed at Jamestown ^ [1607], they were driven 
from their country by more southern tribes. Some crossed the Ohio, and settled 
on the Sciota, near the present Chilicothe; others wandered eastward into 
Pennsylvania. The Ohio division joined the Eries and Andastes against the 
Five Nations in 1672. Suffering defeat, the Shawnees fled to the country of the 
Catawbas, but were soon driven out, and found shelter with the Greeks.^ They 
finally returned to Ohio, and being joined by their Pennsylvania brethren, they 
formed an alliance with the French against the English.^ They were subdued 
by Boquet in 1763,7 and again by Virginians, at Point Pleasant, at the mouth of 
the great Kanhawa, in 1774.^ they aided the British during the Revolution, 
and continued to annoy the Americans until 1795, when permanent peace was 
established.^ They were the enemies of the Americans during their second war 
with Great Britain, They are now [1854] but a miserable remnant, and occupy 
lands south of the Kanzas river. The road from Fort Independence^" to Santa 
Fe passes through their territory. 

10. The Powhatans constituted a confederacy of more than twenty tribes, 
including the Accohannocks and Accomacs, on the eastern shore of the Chesapeake 
Bay. Powhatan, (the father of Pocahontas,^^) was the chief sachem or emperor of 
the confederacy, when the English first appeared upon the James river. [1607.] 
They remained nominally friendly to the white people during Powhatan's life- 
time, but after his death, they made two attempts to exterminate the English. 
[1622, 1644.] They were subjugated in 1676,i2 and from that time they gradu- 
ally diminished in numbers and importance. Of all that great confederacy in 



1. The Winno^agoes are the most dissolute of all the Indian remnants. In Augtist, 1853, a treaty 
was madi' with li>em to occupy the beautiful country above St. Paul, westward of the Mississippi, 
between the Crow and Clear Water Rivers. 

2. Verse 5, p. 260. 

3. The Alleghany or Appalachian mountains extend from the Catskills, in the State of New York, in 
a S. W. direction to Georgia and Alabama, and have been called the backbone of the country. Some 
geographers extend them to the White mountains of New Hampshire. 

4. Verse 10, p. 47. 5. Verse 2, p. 21. 6. Verse 8, p. 139. 
7. Note 13, p. 156. 8. Note 5, p. 178. 9. Verse 8, p. 247. 

10. United States fort on the Missouri. Santa Fe is in New Mexico, 765 miles south-west of Fort 
Independence. 

11. Verse 14, p. 48. 12. Verse 23, p. 81. 



Questions. — ^7. Where did the 3/mmiV.<t and Piankeshmrs AvveWI and where are they now? 8. What 
was the condition, and where the residence of the Illinois tribe, when first discovered? Name the^r 
divisions? What is their fate ? 9. What region did the STiaioHee* inhabit ? Relate the chief events of 
their history. 10. Who were the Pouj7ia<ans .*' What their divisions? Where their country? 



THE ALGONQUmS. 15 

Lower Virginia, it is believed that not one representative on earth remains, or 
that one tongue speaks their dialect. 

. 11. South of the Foiohatans, on the Atlantic coast, were the Corees, Cheraws 
and other small tribes, occupying the land once inhabited by the powerful Hat- 
teras.^ Thev were allies of the Tuscaroras in 1711, in an attack upon the 
Enghsh,'- sufiered defeat, and have now disappeared from the earth. Their dia- 
lect is forgotten. 

1 2. The Nanticokes occupied the great peninsula between the Chesapeake 
and Delaware Bays. They were early made vassals, and finally allies on com- 
pulsion, of the Five Nations. They left their ancient domain in 1710, occu- 
pied lands upon the Susquehanna, in Pennsylvania, until the Revolutionary War 
commenced, when they crossed the Alleghanies, and joined the British in the 
west. They are now [1854] scattered among many tribes. 

13. The Lenni-Lenapes,'^ who are frequently called i)e/aw;are5, comprised two 
powerful divisions, namely, the Minsi and the Delmcares proper. The former 
occupied the northern part of New Jersey, and a portion of Pennsylvania, and 
the latter inhabited lower New Jersey, the banks of the Delaware below Tren- 
ton, and the whole valley of the Schuylkill, The Five Nations subjugated 
them in 1650, and brought them under degrading vassalage. They gradually 
retreated westward before the tide of civilization, and finally a portion of them 
crossed the Alleghanies, and settled in the land of the Ilurons,^ on the Muskin- 
gum, in Ohio. Those who remained in Pennsylvania joined the Shaivnees,^ and 
aided the French against the English, during the French and Indian war.^ In 
1768, they all went over the mountains, and the great body of them became 
friends of the British during the Revolution. They were at the head of the 
confederacy of Western tribes who were crushed by Wayne in 1794,''' and the 
following year they ceded all their lands on the Muskingum, and seated them- 
selves near the Wabash. In 1819, they ceded those lands also, and the remnant 
now [1854] occupy a territory north of the Kanzas river, near its mouth. 

14. The MoHEGANS were a distinct tribe, on the Hudson river, but the name 
was given to the several independent tribes who inhabited Long Island, and the 
the country between the Lenni-Lenapes and the New England Indians.^ Of 
this family, the Fequods,^ inhabiting Eastern Connecticut, on the shores of Long 
Island Sound, were the most powerful. They exercised authority over the 
Montauks and twelve other tribes upon Long Island. Their power was broken 
by the revolt of Uncos against his chief, Sassacus,^^ a short time before the appear- 
ance of the white people. The Manhattans were seated upon the Hudson, in 
lower Westchester, and sold Manhattan Island, whereon New- York now stands, 
to the Dutch.ii The latter had frequent conflicts with these and other River 
Indians. 12 The Dutch were generally conquerors. The Mohawks, one of the 
Five Nations, i3 were pressing hard upon them, at the same time, and several 



1. This tribe numbered about three thousand warriors when Raleigh landed on Roanoke Island, but 
•when the English made permanent settlements in that vicinity, they were reduced to about fifteen 
bowmen. 

2. Verse 13, p. 127. 

3. Original people. — This name has been applied to the whole Algonquin nation. The Lenni-Lenapes 
claimed to have come from beyond the Mississippi, conquering a more civilized people on the way, who 
inhabited the great vallies bevond the Alleghany mountains. 

4. Verse 1, p. 16. 5, Verse 9, p. 14. 6. Ch. IV., Sec. XII. 7. Verse 8, p. 247. 
8. Verse 15, p. 16. 9. Verse 8, p. &3. 10. Verse 11, p. 64. 
11. Verse 1, p. 103. 12. Verse 6, p. 105. 13. Verse 2, p. 17. 



Questions. — 11. Where, and who were the Coreejt ? 12. Who were the Nantirohes ? and what became 
of them? 13. Vf ho vi ere the Lenni-Lenapes ? Where did they dwell ? Relate the principal events in 
their history ? 14. Who were the Moheyans ? Where was their country 1 What were their chief tribes? 
Relate some of the principal events in their history. 




16 THE ABORIGINES. 

of the Mbhegan tribes were reduced to the condition of vassals 
of that confederacy. Peace was effected in 1665, by the 
Enghsh governor at New York. In the meanwhile, the 
English and Naragansets had smitten the Pequods.^ and the 
remaining independent Mohegans, reduced to a handful, finally 
took up their abode upon the west bank of the Thames, five 
miles below Norwich,- at a place still known as Mohegan 
Plain. Their burial place was at Norwich, and there a 
granite monument rests upon the grave of Uncas. The tribe 
is now extinct — "the last of the Mohicans" sleeps with his 

UNCAS' MONUMENT ^^^j^^^^^ 

15. The New England Indians inhabited the country from Connecticut to 
the Saco river. The principal tribes were the Narragansets in Rhode Island, 
and the western shores of Narragaaset Bay ; the Pokonokets and Wampanoags on 
the eastern shore of the same bay, and in a portion of Massachusetts ; the Nip- 
mucs in the centre of Massachusetts ; the Massachusetts in the vicinity of Boston 
and the shores southward ; and the Pawtuckets in the north-eastern part of Mas- 
sachusetts, embracing the Pennacooks of New Hampshire. These were divided 
into smaller bands, having petty chiefs. They were warlike, and were continu- 
ally engaged in hostilities with the Five Nations, or with the Mohegans. The 
English and Dutch effected a general peace in 1673.3 Two years afterward, 
[1675,] Metacomet (King Philip) aroused most of the New England tribes against 
the English. A fierce war ensued, but ended in the subjugation of the Indians 
and the death of Philip in 1676.* The power of the New England Indians was 
completely broken. Some joined the more eastern tribes, and others took refuge 
in Canada, from whence they frequently came to the border settlements on 
errands of revenge.' These incursions ceased when the French dominion in 
Canada ended in 1763.^ When the Puritans came'' [1620], the New England 
Indians numbered about ten thousand souls; now [1854] probably not three 
hundred representatives remain ; and the dialects of aU, except of the Narragan- 
sets^ are forgotten. 

16. The Abenakes were eastward of the Saco. The chief tribes were the Pe- 
nobscots, Norridgeioocks, Androscoggins, and Passammaquoddies. These, with the 
more eastern tribes of the Micmacs and EtchemiTis, were made nominal Christians 
by the French Jesuits;'^ and they were aU firm allies of the French until the 
conquest of Canada by the English, in 1760.9 ±\[ of the Abenakes, except the 
Penobscots, withdrew to Canada in 1754. A few scattered families of the latter 
yet [1854] dwell upon the banks of the Penobscot river, and wanderers are seen 
on the St. Lawrence. 



^ .« ♦ ». » 

SECTION III. 

THE HURON -IROQUOIS. 

1. The great body of the Iroquois tribes occupied almost the whole territory 
in Canada south of the Ottawa, between lakes Ontario, Erie, and Huron ; a 

1. Verse 11, p. 64. 2. Note 4, P- 237 3. Verse 14, p. 108. 

4. Verse 30, p. 95. 5. Verse 35, p. 96. 6. Verse 48, p. 156. 

7. Verse 1, p. 84. 8. Verse 35, p. 96. 9. Verse 47, p. 155. 



Questions. — 15. What were the names, and where were the abodes of the tribes of JVeip England In- 
dians ? Relate the principal events in their history. 16. What were the chief tribes of the Abenakee? 
What region did they inhabit ? What has become of them? 1. What region did Xb.& Huron-Iroqv.ois 
tribes inhabit ? Of what tribes did tbe Huron* consist ? 



THE HURON-IROQUOIS. 17 

greater portion of the State of New York, and a part of Pennsylvania and Ohio 
along the southern shores of Lake Erie. They were completely suiTOunded by 
the Algonquins, in whose southern border in portions of North Carolina and Vir- 
ginia, were the Tuscaroras and a few smaller Iroquois tribes.* The Hurons oc- 
cupied the Canadian portions of the territory, and the land on the southern 
shore of Lake Erie, and appeared to be a distinct nation ; but their language 
was found to be identical with that of the Iroquois. The Hurons consisted 
of four smaller tribes, namely, the Wyandots or Hurons proper, the Attiouan- 
dlrons,'^ the Eries^ and the Andastes. The two latter tribes were south of the 
lake, and claimed jurisdiction back to the domains of the Shawnees.^ 

2. The Five Nations, or Iroquois proper, formed a confederacy composed of 
the Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, and Mohawk tribes, all occupying lands 
within the present State of New York. The Great Council fire of the Confeder- 
ation was with the Onondagas, and the metropolis, or chief village, was near the 
present city of Syracuse. The French gave them the name of Iroquois ; the Al- 
gonquins called them MingoesA At what time the confederacy was formed, is 
not known.5 It was strong and powerful when the French discovered them, 
[1609,] and they were then engaged in bloody wars with their kinsmen, the 
Wyaiidot-s. 

3. The Five Nations resolved to strike a final and decisive blow against their 
western neighbors, in 1649, and, gathering all their warriors, made a successful 
invasion of the Wyandot, or Huron country. Great numbers of the Wyandots 
were slain and made prisoners, and the whole tribe was dispersed. Some of the 
fugitives took refuge with the Ghippewas ; others fled to Quebec, and a few be- 
came a part of the Iroquois confederacy. Yet the spirit of the Wyandots was not 
subdued, and they claimed and exercised sovereignty over almost the whole of 
the Ohio countr3^ They had great influence among the Algonquin tribes,^ and 
even as late as the treaty of Greenville, in 1795, the principal cession of lands in 
Ohio to the United States was made by the Wya7idot chiefs in council.^ They, 
too, are reduced to a mere remnant of less than five hundred souls, and now 
[1854] occupy lands upon the Neosho river, a chief tributary of the Arkansas. 

4. The Five Nations w^ere exceedingly warlike, and they made hostile ex- 
peditions against the Neiu England Indians,^ in the East, the Eries, Andastes and 
Miamies in the 'West,^ and penetrated to the domains of the Catawhas^^ and 
Cherokees^^ in the South. They subjugated the Eries in 1655, and after a con- 
test of twenty years, brought the Andastes into vassalage. They conquered the 
Miamies^'^ and Ottawas^^ in 1657, and made incursions as far as the Roanoke and 
Cape Fear Rivers to the land of their kindred in dialect, the Tuscaroras, in 1701'^. 
Thirty years afterwards, having been joined by the Tuscaroras, and the name of 
the confederacy changed to that of The Six Nations, they made war upon the 
Gkerokees^^ and Gatawbas. They were led on by Hi-o-ka-too, a Seneca cliief. 

1. The Southern Iroquois were the Twsearoras, Chowans, Meherrins, and Nottoicays. The three lat- 
ter were upon the rivers in lower Virginia, called by their respective names, and were known under 
the general title of Tuscaroras 

2. Neutral Nation. When the Hurons and Five Nations were at war, the Attiouandirons fled to the 
Sandusky, and built a fort for each of the belligerents when in that region. But their neutrality did 
not save "them from internal feuds which finally dismembered the tribe. One party joined the Wyan- 
dots ; the other the Iroquois. 3. Verse 9, p. 14. 

4. Mingoes, or Minquas, was a term more particularly applied to the Mohawk tribe. They called 
themselves Kayingehaga, — " possessors of the flint." The confederation assumed the title of Kono.'^td- 
oni — "cabin-builders." 5. Probably about the year 1539. 6. Verse 2, p. 12. 

7. Verse 8, p. 247. 8. Verse 15, p. 16. 9. Verse 7, p. 14. 10. Verse 1, p. 18. 

11. Verse 1, p. 19. 12. Verse 7, P- 14. 13. Verse 3, p. 12. 14. Verse 14, p. 127. 

15. Verse 3, p. 19. 



Questions. — 2. WTiat tribes formed the Five Nations? What region did they inhabit? 3. Relate 
the principal events in the history of the Five Nations. What do you know of the Wyandots? 
4. What was the character of the Five Nations ? What were their principal war-expeditions ? 



18 THE ABOKIGINES. 

The Caiawbas were almost annihilated by them after a battle of two days. So 
determined were the Five Nations to subdue the southern tribes, that when, in 
1744, they ceded a part of then- lands to Virginia, they reserved a perpetual 
privilege of a war-path through the territory. 

5. After the Tuscaroras were defeated by the Carohnians, in 17l2,i they came 
northward, and in 1714 joined the Five Nations. From that time the con- 
federacy, was known as the Six Nations. They were generally the sure friends 
of the English and inveterate foes of the French.'^ They were all friends of the 
British during the Revolution, except a part of the Oneidas. The Mohawks were 
the most active enemies of the Americans ; and were obliged to leave the State 
and take refuge in Canada at the close of the Revolution. The others were al- 
lowed to remain, and now [1854] mere fragments of that great confederation 
exists, and, in habits and character, they are radically changed. The confederacy 
was forever extinguished by the sale of the residue of the Seneca lands in 1838. 
In 1715, the confederacy numbered more than forty thousand souls ; now [1854] 
they are probably less than four thousand, most of whom are upon lands beyond 
the Mississippi. 



SECTION IV. 

THE CATAWBAS. 

1. The Catawbas occupied lands upon the Yadkin and Catawba Rivers, 
south of the Tuscaroras, on both sides of the line between North and South 
Carolina. They were brave but not warlike, and their conflicts were usually in 
defence of their territory. They expelled the fugitive Shaivnees, [1672,]^ but were 
overmatched and desolated by the warriors of the Five Nations^ [I'^Ol]* They 
assisted the white people of South Carolina against the Tuscaroras and con- 
federates in 1712 ;5 but when, three years afterward, the southern tribes, from 
the Neuse region to that of the St. Mary's in Florida, and westward to the Ala- 
bama, seven thousand strong, confederated in an attempt to exterminate the 
Carohnians,^ the Catawbas were among them. 

2. In 1760 the Catawbas were again the friends of the Carolinians when the 
Cherokees made war upon them," and they remained true friends of the white 
people afterward. They joined the Americans during the Revolution, and have 
ever since experienced the fostering care of the State, in some degree.^ 
Their chief village was upon the Catawba river near the mouth of the Fishing 
Creek,9 and there the remnant of the nation, numbering less than a hundred 
souls, are now [1854] living upon a reservation, a few miles square. Their an- 
cient language is almost extinct. 

1. Verse 14, p. 127. 2. Verse 23, p. 145. 3. Verse 9, p. 14. 

4. Verse 4, p. 17. 5. Verse 14, p. 127. 6. Verse 20, p. 128. 

7. Verse 49, p. 156. 

8. In 1822, a Catawha warrior made an eloquent appeal to the lejpslature of South Carolina for aid. 
" I pursued the deer for subsistence," he said, " but the deer are disappcaringr, and I must starve. God 
ordained me for the forests, and my ambiiion is the shade. But the .•^trenfrth of my arm decays, and 
ray feet fail me in the chase. The hand that fought for your liberties, is now open to you for relief." 
A pension was granted. 

9. Yorkville district, South Carolina. 



Questions. — 5. How came the confederacy to be called the Six Nations? What was their position 
during the American War for Independence? 1. What region did the Catowtas inhabit ? What was 
their character ? What position did they take in 1715? 2. What was their position after 1760? 



THE CHEROKEES. 19 

SECTION V. 

THE CHEROKEES. 

1. Westward, and adjoining the Tmcaroras^ and Catawhas'^ were the Chero- 
KEES, the brave and noble mountaineers of the South. Their beautiful land ex- 
tended from the CaroHna Broad River on the East, to the Alabama on the West, 
including the whole of the upper portion of Georgia from the head waters of the 
Alatamaha, to those of the Tennessee. It is one of the most delightful regions 
of the United States. 

2. The CJierokees were the determined foes of the Shawnees,^ and finally drove 
them from the country South of the Ohio river. They joined with the Gatawhas 
and the white people against the Tuscaroras in 1712,^ but were members of the 
great confederation against the Carolinians in 1715.5 

3. The CHEROKEES and the Five Nations had bloody contests for a long 
time. A reconciliation was effected by the English about the year 1750, and the 
Gherokees became the allies of the peace-makers, against the French, They as- 
sisted in the capture of Fort Du Quesne in 1758,^ but their irregularities on theu* 
return along the border settlements of Virginia, gave the white people an ap- 
parent excuse for killing two or three warriors. Hatred was engendered, and 
the Gherokees soon afterward retahated by spreading destruction along the fron- 
tiers. ^ Hostilities continued a greater portion of three years, when peace was es- 
tablished in 1761, and no more trouble ensued. 

4. The Gherokees adhered to the British during the Revolution ; and for eight 
years afterward they continued to annoy the people of the upper county of the 
Carolinas. They were reconciled by treaty in 1791.8 They were friends of the 
United States in 1812, and assisted in the subjugation of the Creeks.9 Civihza- 
tion was rapidly elevating them from the condition of roving savages, to agricul- 
turists and artisans, when their removal west of the Mississippi was required. 
They had established schools, a printing press, and other means for improvement 
and culture, when they were obhged to leave their farms and the graves of their 
fathers, for a new home in the wilderness. They are in a fertile country, watered 
by the Arkansas and its tributaries, and are in a prosperous condition. They 
now [1854] number about fourteen thousand souls. '^ 

■#«»♦■>« »i 



SECTION VI. 

THE UCHEES. 

1. The UCHEES were but a remnant of a once powerful nation when Europe- 
ans discovered them. They were seated in the pleasant country extending from 



1. Verse 4, p. 17. 2. Verse 1, p. 18. 3. Verse 9, p. 14. 4. Verse 14, p. 127. 

5. Verse 20, p. 128. 6. Verse 34, p. 150. 7- Verse 49, p. 156. 

9. Verse 15, p. 370. 10. Xote 2, p. 23. 

Questions. — 1. What region did the Cherokee.^ inhabit? 2. What was their position towards the white 
people in 1712, and afterwards ? 3. What was their position during the French and Indian war ? 4. Kc- 
late the chief events in the history of the Cherolcees since the beginning of the War for Independence. 
1. Where was the country, and what was the character of the Uchees ? Where are they now? 



20 THE ABOKIGINES. 

the Savannah river, at Augusta, westward to Milledgeville, and along the banks 
of the Oconee and the head waters of the Great Ogeechee and the Chattahooche. 
They claimed to be descendants of the most ancient inhabitants of the country, 
and had no tradition of their ever occupying any other territory than the domain 
on which they were found. Their language was exceedingly harsh, and unlike 
that of any other known nation. They, too, have left the land of their fathers, 
and have become partially absorbed by the Greeks, with whom about one thou- 
sand souls yet [1854] remain. 



■^ '• ♦ •« 



SECTION VII. 



THE NATCHEZ. 



1. The Natchez occupied a small territory on the eastern side of the Missis- 
sippi, about as large as that of the Uchees. It extended north-easterly from the 
Mississippi along the valley of the Pearl river, to the upper waters of the Chick- 
asahaw. For a long time they were supposed to belong to the nation of Mohilian 
tribes, by whom they were surrounded, but their language proved them to be a 
distinct people.^ They became jealous of the French on their first appearance 
upon the Mississippi, and finally they conspired with others to drive the intruders 
from the country. The French fell upon, and almost annihilated the nation, in 
1730. They never recovered from the shock, and after maintaining a feeble 
nationality for almost a century, they have become merged into the Creek Con- 
federacy. They now [1854] number less than three hundred souls, and their 
language, in its purity, is unknown. 



SECTION VIII. 

THE MOBILIAN TRIBES. 

1. The MoBiLiAN nation was composed of a great number of tribes, speaking 
different dialects" of the same language. Their territory was next in extent to 
that of the Algonquins.^ It stretched along the Gulf of Mexico, from the Atlantic 
to the Mississippi, more than six hundred miles ; up the Mississippi as far as the 
mouth of the Ohio ; and along the Atlantic to Cape Fear. It comprised a greater 
portion of the present State of Georgia, the whole of Florida, Alabama, and Mis- 
sissippi, and parts of South Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky. The nation was 
divided into three grand confederacies of tribes, namely, Muscogees or Greeks, 
Ghoctaws, and Ghickasaws. 



1. The Natchez worshipped the sun ; and some have supposed that they had once been in communica- 
tion with the sun- worshippers of Central and South America. Note 4. p. 307. 

2. Note 1, p. 9. 3. Verse 1, p. 12. 



Questions. — 1. What region did the Natchez inhabit? What was their character? What caused their 
downfall? 1. Who were the Mohilian tribes? What territory did they inhabit? Name their grand 
divisions. 




THE MOBILIAN TEIBES. 21 

2. The Creek Confederacy extended from 
the Atlantic westward to the high lands 
which separate the waters of the Alabama 
and Tombigbee rivers, including a great 
portion of the States of Alabama and Geor- 
gia, and the whole of Florida. Oglethorpe's 
first interviews' with the natives at Savan- 
nah, were with people of this confederacy. 

3. The Seminoles of Florida and the Ta- 
■massees or SavannoJis of Georgia and South 
Carohna, were of the Creek confederacy. southern Indians. 
The latter were strong and warlike. They 

were at the head of the Indian Confederacy in 1715.' When the general disper- 
sion followed, the Yamassees took refuge with the Spaniards of Florida. Small 
bands often annoyed the white frontier settlements of Georgia, but they were 
not engaged in general hostilities until the Revolution, when the whole Creek 
confederacy3 took part with the British. 

4. The Seminoles were always hostile to their white neighbors, and bands 
of them went out upon the war-path, with the Yamassees. They joined the 
British in 1812-14; and in 1817 they renewed hostilities.^ They were subdued 
by General Jackson, and afterward remained comparatively quiet until 1835, 
when they again attacked the white settlements.^ They were subjugated in 
1842, after many lives and much treasure had been sacrificed." A few of them 
yet [1854] remain in the everglades of Florida, but a greater portion of the 
tribe have gone west of the Mississippi, with the other members of the Creek 
Confederacy. The Creeks proper now [1854] number about twenty-four thou- 
sand souls; the number of the whole confederacy is about thirty thousand. They 
occupy lands upon the Arkansas and its tributaries. 

5. The Choctaws inhabited the beautiful country bordering upon the Gulf of 
Mexico, and extending west of the Creeks to the Mississippi. They were an 
agricultural people when the Europeans discovered them ; and, attached to home 
and their quiet pursuits, they have ever been a peaceful people. Their wars 
have always been on the defensive, and they never had public feuds with either 
their Spanish, French, or P^nglish neighbors. They, too, have been compelled 
to abandon their native country for the uncultiv ated wilderness west of Arkansas, 
between the Arkansas and Red rivers. They now [1854] number about two 
thousand souls. 

6. The Chickasaws inhabited the country along the Mississippi, from the bor- 
ders of the Choctaw domain, to the Ohio River, and eastward beyond the Tennes- 
see to the lands of the Clierokees'' and Shawnees.^ This warlike tribe were the 
early friends of the English, and the most inveterate foes of the French, who 
had twice [1736-1740] invaded their country. They adhered to the British 
during the Revolution, but since that time they have held friendly relations with 
the Government of the United States. The remnant, about six thousand in 
number, are upon lands almost a hundred leagues westward of the Mississippi. 



1. Verse 5, p. 74. 2. Verse 20, p. 128. 

3. This confederacy now consists of the Creeks proper, Seminoles, Coosadas, Natchez, Eichitties, and 
Alabamas. The Creeks, like several other tribes, claim to be the original people. 

4. Verse 4, p. 281. 5. Verse 10, p. 289. 6. Verse 6, p. 293. 
7. Verse 1, p. 19. 8. Verse 9, p. 14. 



Questions. — 2. What region did the Creek confederacy inhabit ? 3. What other tribes were of the Creek 
confederacy ? Who were the Vamases ? 4. What aie the principle events in the history of the Semi- 
noles!' What is the present condition of the Creehs f 5. Where was the dwelling-place of the CAoc- 
tia? What has always bean the character of the C7ioctow>« ? 6. What region did the Chickasaw a 
inhabit ? What was their character, and what became their condition ? 



22 THE ABORIGINES. 

1. Such is the brief history of the aboriginal nations with whom the first 
European settlers in the United States became acquainted. They have now no 
legal habitation eastward of the Mississippi ; and the fragments of those power- 
ful tribes who once claimed sovereignty over twenty-four degrees of longitude 
and twenty degrees of latitude, are now [1854] compressed within a quadrangle 
of about nine degrees, between the Red and Missouri rivers. ^ Whether the 
grave of the last of those great tribes shall be within their present domain, or in 
some valley among the crags of the Rocky mountains, expediency will deter- 



■^ <» ♦ «. ^ 



SECTION IX. 

THE DAHCOTAH OR SIOUX TRIBES. 

1. The early French explorers found a great number of tribes west of the 
Mississippi, who spoke dialects 2 of the same language. They occupied the vast 
region from the Arkansas on the south, to the western tributary of Lake "Win- 
nipeg on the north, and westward to the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains.^ 
They have been classed into four grand divisions, namely, the Winnebagoes, 
who inhabited the country between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi, among 
the ALGONQums;^ the Assinniboins and Sioux proper, the most northerly 
nation ; the Minetaree G-roup in the Minnesota Territory, and the Southern 
Sioux, who dwelt in the country between the Arkansas and Platte rivers, and 
whose hunting-grounds extended to the Rocky Mountains. 

2. The Winnebagoes often made war upon the Sioux west of the Mississippi. 
They generally lived on friendly terms with the Algonquins, after their warlike 
spirit was somewhat subdued by the Illinois, who, in 1640, almost exterminated 
them. They were enemies to the United States during the second war with 
Great Britain ;5 and they confederated with the Sacs and Foxes in hostilities 
against the white people, under Black Hawk, in 1832.^ The tribe, now [1854] 
about four thousand strong, is seated upon the Mississippi, about eighty miles 
above St. Paul, the capital of Minnesota. 

3. The Assinnihoins yet inhabit their native country. Having separated from 
the nation, they are called " rebels." Their neighbors, the Sioux proper, were 
first visited by the French in 1660, and have ever been regarded as the most 
fierce and warlike people on the continent. They occupy their ancient domain, 
and are now [1854] about eighteen thousand strong. 

4. The Minetarees, Mandans, and Crows, form the Minetaree Group. They 
are classed with the Dahcotahs or Sioux, although the languages have only a 
slight affinity. The Minetarees and Mandans number about three thousand 
souls each. They cultivate the soil and hve in villages. The Grows number 
about fifteen hundred, and are wanderers and hunters. The Mandans are very 

1. Bancroft [II. 253] makes the following estimate of the entire aboriginal population in 1650 : 
Algonquins, 90,000 ; Eastern Sioux, less than 3,000 ; Iroquois, including their southern kindred, about 
17,000 ; Catawbas, 3,000 ; Cherokees, (now more numerous than ever,) 12,000 ; Mobilian tribes, 50,000 ; 
Uchees, 1,000 ; Natchez, 4,000 ; in all, 180,000. 

2. Note 1, p. 9. 

3. See picture at the head of this chapter for representation of their costume and general appearance. 

4. Verse 6, p. 13. 5. Verse 6, p. 260. 6. Verse 5, p. 287. 



Questions. — 7. What is the general condition of the Indian tribes, with whom the white people first 
became acquainted? 1. Where are the Sioux Indians located? Name their grand divisions in the 
north. 2. What is the character and history of the Winnebagoes ? 3. What do you know of the Assini- 
boins ? What tribes form the Minetaree group ? 4. What do you know of the Minetarees and Man- 
dnns ? 



THE EXTREME WESTEEN TRIBES. 28 

liglit-colored. Some suppose them to be descendants of a colony from "Wales, 
who, it is believed, came to America under Madoc, the son of a Welsh prince, 
in the twelfth century.' 

5, The Southern Sioux tribes are eight in number, namely, Arkansas, 
Osages, Kanzas, lowas, Missouries, Otoes, Omahas and Puncahs. They are culti- 
vators and hunters. They live in villages a part of the year, and are abroad, 
upon their hunting grounds, during the remainder. Of these tribes, the Osages 
are the most warlike and powerful. All of the Southern Sioux tribes are upon 
lands watered by the Missouri and the Platte, and their tributaries. 



» ♦ •» ^- 



SECTION X. 

THE EXTREME WESTERN TRIBES. 

1. "Within our newly acquired possessions on the borders of Mexico and the 
Pacific coast, and the recently organized territories in the interior of the conti- 
nent are numerous powerful and warlike tribes,2 of whom httle is known, and 
whose history has no connection with that of the people of the United States, 
except the fact that they were original occupants of the soil, and that some of 
them, especially the California Indians, yet dispute our right to sovereignty. 
Of these, the Comanches and Apaches of California are the most warlike. The 
Pawnees upon the Great Plains toward the Rocky Mountains are very numerous, 
but not so warhke ; and the Utahs, among the Wasatch and neighboring ranges, 
are strong in numbers. Farther northward and westward are the Black-Feet, 
Grow, Snake, Nezperces and Flathead Indians, whose domains stretch away 
toward the Knisteneaux and Esquimaux on the extreme north. 

2. All of these tribes are destined to annihilation. The scythe of civihzation 
is steadily cutting its swaths over all their lands ; and the time is not far distant 
when the foot prints of the Indians will be no more known within the domain 
of our Republic. In future years the dusky son of an exile, coming from the far- 
off borders of the Slave Lake, will be gazed at in the streets of a city at the 
mouth of the Yellow Stone, %vith as much wonder as the Oneida woman, with 
her blue cloth blanket and bead- work merchandize is now [1854] in the city of 
New York. 

1. It is said that Madoc, son of Prince Owen Gwynedd, sailed fiom Wales with 10 ships and 300 men, 
aboiit the year 1170, on an exploring' voyage westward, and never returned. 

2. The whole number of Indians within the present limits of the United States, in 1853, is reported in 
the Census to be a little more than 400,000. There are about 17,000 in the States eastward of the Missis- 
sippi, principally in New York, Michigan, and Wisconsin ; the remainder, consisting of CheroJiees, Choc- 
taic.% and Seminolex, being in North Carolina, Mississippi, and Florida. The number in Minnesota and 
along the frontiers of the Western States and Texas, (most of them emigrants from the country eastward 
of the Mississippi,) is estimated at 110,000. Those on the Plains and among the Rockv Mountains, not 
within any organized Territory, at 63,000 ; in Texas, at 29,000 ; in New Mexico, at 45,000 ; in California, 
at 100,000 ; in Utah, at 12,000 ; in Oregon and Washington Territories, at 23,000. For more minute ac- 
counts of the Indians, see Heckewelder's Hixtory of the Indian Nations ; Schoolcraft's Algic Researches ; 
McKeuney's History of the Indian Tribes ; Drake's Book of the Indians ; Catlin's Letters and Notes. 



Questions. — 5. What are the names of the Southern Sioux Indians? 1. Where are other Indian tribes 
within our territory ? N ame some of the principal tribes in the territories of our Union. 2. What is 
probably the ultimate destiny of all the Indian tribes ? 







CHAPTER II. 

DISCOVERIES. 
SECTION" I. 

SCANDINAVIAN VOYAGES AND DISCOV- 
ERIES. 



1. Records of early 
voyages from Iceland 
to a continent south- 
westward of Green- 
land, have been 
found. These, and 
the results of recent 
investigation, appear 
to prove, by the 
strongest circumstantial evidence, that the New England^ coast 
was visited, and that setttlements thereon were attempted by 
Scandinavian navigators, 2 almost five hundred years before 
Columbus undertook his first voyage to America. 

2. The northern navigators were remarkable for their bold- 
ness and perseverance. They discovered Iceland [A.D. 860] 



AMERIGO VESPUCCI. 




^ORTHMAN. 



1. The States of our Unirn, eastward of N.Y., arecollectively called New England. Seeverse2, p. 54. 

2. Tlie ancients called the territory which contains modern Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Lapland, Ice- 
land, Finland, <fec., by the general name of Scandinavia. 



Questions. — 1. Why is it supposed that America was known to people of Europe before the time of Co- 
lumbus ? 2. What do you know of the Scandinavian or Norman navigators ? 



SPANISH VOYAGES AND DISCOVERIES, 



25 




NORMAN SHIP. 



and colonized it; then Greenland [890], and 
planted colonies there also. There was traffic 
between the colonists of Iceland and Greenland, 
and the parent Norwegians and Danes, as early 
as the year 950. In the year 1002, acording to 
an Icelandic chronicle, a Norwegian vessel, 
commanded by Captain Lief, sailed from Ice- 
land for Greenland. A gale drove the voyagers 
to the coast of Labrador. They explored the 
shores southward to the region of a genial cli- 
mate and a grape-bearing soil.' Other voyages 
to the new found land were afterward made by 
the adventurous Scandinavians, and they appear to have extended their explor- 
ations as far as Rhode Island — perhaps as far south as Cape May. 

3. Settlements in the pleasant climate were at- 
tempted ; and it is asserted that the child of a Scan- 
dinavian mother was born upon the shore of Mount 
Hope Bay, in Rhode Island.2 But they left no traces 
of their presence here, unless it shall be conceded 
that the round tower at Newport, 3 about the origin 
of which history and tradition are silent, was built 
by the Northmen. 

4. Information of these voyages seems not to have 
spread in Europe, and no records of intercourse with 
a western continent later than 1120, have been found. 
The great discovery was forgotten, or remembered 
only in dim traditionary tales of the exploits of the 
old "Sea-Kings"* of the North. When Columbus 

conceived the grand idea of reaching Asia by saiUng westward, no whisper of 
those Scandinavian voyages was heard in Europe. 




TOWZR AT NEWPORT. 



SECTION II. 

SPANISH VOYAGES AND DISCOVERIES. 

1. During the first half of the fifteenth century, Spain, Portugal, and France 
engaged in vigorous efforts to share with Italy the rich commerce of the East 
Indies. The ocean being the only highway for the rivals, maritime discoveries 



1. Supposed to be the vicinity of Boston. 

2. The old chronicle referred to says that Gudrida, wife of a Scandinavian named Snorre, gave birth 
to a child in America ; and it is further asserted that Thorwalsden, the great Danish sculptor, was a de- 
scendant of this early white American. 

3. This structure is of unhewn stone, laid in mortar made of the gravel of the soil around, and oyster- 
shell lime. It is a cylinder resting upon eight round columns, 23 feet in diameter, and 24 feet in height. 
It was originally covered with stucco. It stood there when the white people first visited Rhode Island, 
and the Narraganset Indians had no tradition of its origin. There can be little doubt of its having been 
constructed by those northern navigators, who made attempts at settlement in that vicinity. 

4. This name was given to bold adventurers of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, who rebelled against 
conquerors, forsook their country, settled upon the islands of the North Sea, and Greenland, and from 
thence went forth upon piratical expeditions, even as far south as the pleasant coasts of France. They 
tratHcked, as well as plundered, and finally sweeping over Denmark and Germany, obtained possession 



QueMiom. — ^3. Is there any probable evidence of the Scandinavians having been in America ? 4. What 
knowledge of these voyages had the Europeans in the time of Columbus? 1. What motives bad the 
governments of Spain and other countries for making voyages of discovery ? What had been done on 
the ocean? 



26 



DISCOVEEIES. 




■were prosecuted with untiring zeal. Popular belief pictured an impassable re- 
^•ion of lire bej^ond Cape Bajador, on the coast of Africa ; but bold navigators, 
Linder the auspices of prince Henry of Portugal, soon penetrated that dreaded 
latitude, crossed the torrid zone, and, going around the southern extremity of 
Africa, ^ opened a pathway to the East, through the Indian ocean. 

2. Lisbon soon became a point of great at- 
traction to the learned and adventurous. 
Among others came Christopher Columbus, the 
son of a wool-carder of Genoa, a mariner of 
great experience and considerable repute, and 
then in the prime of life. The rudiments of 
geometry, which he learned in the university 
of Pavia, had been for years working out a 
magnificent theory in his mind, and he came to 
Lisbon to seek an opportunity to test its truth. 

3. While in Lisbon, Columbus loved and 
married the daughter of Palestrello, a deceased 
navigator of eminence, and he became possessed 
of nautical papers of great value. They poured 
new light upon his mind. His convictions re- 
specting the rotundity of the earth, and the ne- 
cessity of a continent in the Atlantic ocean, to 

balance the land in the eastern hemisphere ; or at least a nearer approach of 
eastern Asia to the shores of western Europe, than geographical science had yet 
'Bvealed, assumed the character of demonstrated realities. He was con\inced 
vhat Asia could be reached much sooner by sailing westward, than by going 
.■.round the Cape of Good Hope.2 

4. Columbus was imbued with a deep religious sentiment, and he became 
strongly impressed with the idea that there were people beyond the waste of 
waters westward, unto whom he was commissioned by Heaven to carry the 

rospel.3 With the lofty aspirations which his theory and his faith gave him, he 
irosecuted his plans with great ardor. He made a v03^age to Iceland, and sailed 
i hundred leagues beyond, to the ice-fields of the polar circle. He probably 
aeard, there, vague traditions of the early voyages to a western continent,^ 
vhich gave strength to his own convictions; and on his return, he laid his plans 
irst before his countrymen, the Genoese (who rejected them), and then before 
he monarchs of England^ and Portugal. 

5. King John of Portugal appeared to comprehend the grand idea of Colum- 
ns, but it was too lofty for the conceptions of his council and the wise men of 

-iisbon. For a long time Columbus was annoyed by delays on the part of those 



COLUMBUS. 



of some of the best portions of Ganl. They finally invaded the British Islands, and placed Canute npon 
the throne of Alfred. It was among: these people that chivalry, as an institution, originated ; and back 
<r> ihose "Sea-Kings'' we may look for the hardiest elements of progress among the people of the United 
S-ates. 

1. This point was first discovered by Diaz, a Portuguese navigator, who named it Stormy Cape. But 
King John, believing it to be that remote extremity of Africa so long sought, named it Cape of Good 
tlope. Vasco de Gama passed it in 1497, and made his way to the East Indies beyond. 
^ 2. This was 70 years before Copernicus announced his theory of the form of the earth, and 160 before 
'-alileo was persecuted by the Roman Inquisition for declaring that the earth revolved. 

X His name was suggestive of a mission. Christo or Christ, and Colombo, a pigeon — carrier-pigeon. 
By this combination of significant words in his name, he believed himself to be a Christ, or Gospel-bearer, 
to the heathen, and he often signed his name Christo-ferens, or Christ-bearer. 

4. Verse 2, p. 24. 5. Verse 2, p. 33. 



Questions. — 2. Who was Columbus? 3. What causes and opinions led Columbus to desire a western 
voyage? 4. What other motives than scientific discovery prompted Columbus? What had been his ex- 
perience ? 5. What difficulties did Columbus experience in Portugal ? 



SPANISH VOYAGES AND DISCOVERIES. 27 

to whose judgment the king deferred. While awaiting a decision, his wife died. 
The last link that bound him to Portugal was broken, and, taking his little son 
Diego by the hand, he departed on foot, to lay his proposition before Ferdinand 
and Isabella, • the raonarchs of Spain — occupants of the united thrones of Arra- 
gon and Castile. 

6. Poor and dispirited, Columbus arrived at the gate of the monastery of Rab- 
ida, near the little port from whence he afterwards sailed, and begged food and 
shelter for himself and child. The good Father Marchena received him kindly, 
entered warmly mto his plans, and was of essential service to him afterward. 
Through him Columbus obtained access to the Court ; but the war with the 
Moors, then raging, delayed an opportunity for an audience with the monarchs 
for a long time. At length his importunities were heeded, and a council of the 
learned men of the nation was convened at Salamanca, to consider his proposi- 
tion.'2 The majority pronounced his scheme vain and impracticable, and un- 
worthy of the support of the government. 

1. Still encouraged by Father Marchena (who 
had been Isabella's confessor^), Columbus now 
sought and obtained a personal interview with the 
queen. To her he revealed all his plans ; told her 
of the immense treasures that lay hidden in that 
far distant India* which might be easily reached 
by a shorter way, and pleaded eloquently for aid 
in his pious design of carrying the Gospel to the 
heathen of unknown lands. The last appeal 
aroused the religious zeal of Isabella, and with the 
spirit of the Crusaders, ^ she dismissed Columbus 
with the assurance that he should have her aid in 
fitting out an exploring expedition, even if it should 
require the pawning of her crown jewels to ob- Isabella. 

tain the money. 

8. Isabella was faithful to her promise. She fitted out two caravels (light 
coasting ships), and Columbus, by the aid of friends, equipped a third and larger 
one. With this little fleet, bearing one hundred and twenty persons, he left 
Palos, on the Tinto river, in Andalusia, on Friday, the 3d of August, 1492, to 
explore the stormy Atlantic.^ 

9. It was a voyage of great trial for the navigator, after leaving the Canary 
Islands. His theory taught him to believe that he would reach Asia in the course 



1. Isabella was a sister of the profligate Henry the Fourth of Castile and Leon. She was a pious, vir- 
tuous, anfl high-minded woman, then almost a phenomenon in courts. 

2. See the picture at the head of this chapter. The Council was composed of the professors of the 
university, various dignitaries of the Church, and learned friars. They were all prejudiced against the 
poor navigator, and he soon discovered that ignorance and bigotry would defeat his purposes. 

3. All Roman Catholics are obliged to confess their sins to a priest. Rich and titled persons often had 
a priest confessor for themselves and their families exclusively. 

4. Travellers had related wonderful stories of the beauty and wealth of a country beyond the limits 
of geographical knowledge, and had thus inflamed the avarice and ambition of the rich and powerful. 
The country was called Zipangi, and also Cathay. It included China and adjacent islands. 

5. About 700 years ago, the Christian powers of Europe fitted out expeditions to conquer Palestine, 
with the avowed object of rescuing the sepulchre of Jes\is, at Jerusalem, from the hands of the Turks. 
These were called crusades— holy wars. The lives of 2,000,000 of people were lost in them. 

6. Columbus was appointed high-admiral of all seas which he might discover, with the attendant 
honors. Also viceroy of all lands discovered. He was to have one tenth of all profits of the first 
voyage, and by contributing an eighth of the expense of future voyages, was to have an eighth of all the 
profits. Although Isabella paid the whole expense, the contract was signed, also, by her husband. 




Que.'stions. — 6. Wliithcr did he go from Portugal to obtain aid ? What occurred to him at first in Spain ? 
7. How came Isabella to aid him ? 8. Wiih what sort of a fleet did Columbus leave Spain ? When and 
from whence did he sail ? 9. What occurred during the voyage? 



28 



DISCOVERIES. 




THE FLEET Or COLUMBUS. 



of a low days. But weeks wore away; the needle became uufaithful;' alarm 

and discontent prevailed, and 
several times his followers were 
on the point of compellmg him 
to turn back. 

10. On the evening of the 
11th of October, the perfumes 
of flowers came upon the night 
breeze, as tokens of approach 
to land. Yet they hesitated to 
believe, for twice before they 
had been mocked by other in- 
dications of land being near. 2 
But at dawn the next morning 
their deUghted eyes saw green 
forests stretching along the hori- 
zon ; and as they approached, 

they were greeted by the songs of birds and the murmur of human voices. 

11. Dressed in scarlet, and bearing his sword in one hand, and the banner of 
the expedition in the other, Columbus landed, with his 
followers, and in the midst of the gorgeous scenery and 
the incense of myriads of flowers, they all knelt down and 
chaunted a hymn of thanksgiving to God. The natives 
had gathered in wonder and awe, in the grove near by, 
regarding the Europeans as children of their great Deity, 
the Sun.3 Little did they comprehend the fatal significance 
to them, of the act of Columbus, w^hen he set up a rude 
cross upon the spot where he landed, and took formal 
possession of the beautiful country in the name of Ferdi- 
nand and Isabella.^ 

12. The land first discovered by Columbus, was one of 
the Bahamas, now known as Cat Island. The Navigator 
named it San Salvador (holy Savior) ; and beheving it to 
be near the coast of farther India, he called the natives 
Indians. This name was afterward apphed to all the 
natives of the adjacent continent.' 

13. After spending some time in examining the island, 
becoming acquainted with the simple habits of the natives, 
and unsuccessfully searching for "the gold, and pearls, and 
and spices of Zipangi,"^ he sailed southward, and dis- 
covered several other small islands. He finally discovered 

1. Needle, or pointer, of the Mariner's compass. This instniment was first known in Europe, at 
Amalfi. about 1302. The Chinese claim to have possessed a knowledge of it more than 1100 years before 
the biith of Christ. The needle was supposed to point toward the north star at all times. There is a 
continual variation from this line, now easily calculated, but unknown until discovered by Columbus. 
It perplexed but did not dismay him. 

2. They had seen birds, but they proved to be the petrel, an ocean fowl. Bits of wood and sea-weeds 
had also been seen. 

3. Almost all the natives of the torrid zone of .\raerica, worshipped the Sun as their chief visible 
deity. Tlie great temples of the Sun in Mexico and Peru, were among the most magnificent structures 
of the Americans, when Enrope.ms came. 

4. It was a common practice then, as now, for the discoverer of new lands, to erect some monument 
and to proclaim the title of his sovereign to the territories so discovered. The banner of the expedition 
borne on shore by Columbus, was a white one, with a green cross. Over the initials, F. and Y. 
(Ferdinand and Ysabella) were golden mural crowns. 

5. Verse 2, p. 8. 6. Note 4, p. 27. 

QueMinnjt. — 10. Wlmt gave indications of land? When was it discovered ? 11. Relate the incidents of 
the landing of (\>lumbus. 12. Where did Columbus first land, and what did he suppose it to be? 13. WTiat 
did Columbus do, soon after landing? 




BANNER OF THE 
EXPEDITION. 



SPANISH VOYAGES AND DISCOVERIES. 29 

Cuba and St. Domingo, where he was told of immense gold-bearing regions 
in the interior. Impressed with the beUef that he had discovered Ophir of the 
ancients, he returned to Spain, where he arrived in March, 1493. 

14. Columbus was received with great honors,' but considerations of State 
policy induced the Spanish government to conceal the importance of his dis- 
covery from other nations. This policy, and the jealousy which the sudden ele- 
vation of a foreigner inspired in the Spaniards, deprived him of the honor of 
having the New World called by his name. Americus Vespucius,"^ a Florentine, 
unfairly won the prize. In company with Ojeda, a companion of Columbus 
during his first voyage, Americus visited the West Indies, and discovered and 
explored the eastern coast of South America, north of the Oronoco, in 1499. He 
pubhshed a glowing account [1504] of the lands he had visited,^ and that being 
the first formal announcement to the world of the great discovery, and as he 
claimed to have first set foot upon the Continent of the West, it was called 
America, in honor of the Florentine. 

15. Columbus made three other voyages to the West Indies,* established 
settlements, and in August, 1498, he discovered the continent at the mouth of 
the Oronoco. This, too, he supposed to be an island near the coast of Asia, and 
he lived and died in ignorance of the real grandeur of his discoveries. Before 
departing on his third voyage, he was appointed Viceroy and High Admiral of 
the New World. During his absence, jealous and unscrupulous men poisoned 
the minds of the king and queen with false statements concerning the ambitious 
designs of Columbus, and he was sent back to Spain in chains. Isabella was 
soon undeceived, and Columbus was allowed to depart on a fourth voyage. 
When he returned, the queen was dead, his enemies were in power, and he 
who had shed such lustre upon the Spanish name, and added a new hemisphere 

fcto the Spanish realm, was allowed to sink into the grave in obscurity and 
neglect. He died at Valladolid on the 20th of May, 1506. His body was 
buried in a convent, from whence it was afterwards carried to St. Domingo, and 
subsequently to Havana, in Cuba, where it remains. 

16. The larger islands of the West India group were soon colonized by 
the Spaniards; and the peaceful, friendly, gentle and happy natives, were 
speedily reduced to slavery. Their Paradise was made a Pandemonium for 
them. Bending beneath the weight of Spanish cruelty and wrong, they 
soon sunk into degradation. The women were compelled to intermarry 
with their oppressors, and from this union came many of the present race of 
Creoles, who form the numerical strength of Cuba and other West India 
Islands. 

17. Tales of gold-bearing regions inflamed the avarice and cupidity of the 



1. Columbus carried back with him several of the natives, and a variety of the animal, birds and 
plants of the New World. They excited the greatest astonishment. His journey from Palos to Barce- 
lona, to meet the sovereigns, was like the march of a king. His reception was still more magnificent. 
The throne of the monarch was placed in a public square, and the great of the kingdom were there to do 
homage to the Navigator. The highest honors were bestowed upon Columbus ; and the sovereigns grant- 
ed him a coat of arms bearing royal devices, and the motto, " To Castile and Leon, Columbus gave a 
new World." 

2. See portrait at the head of this Chapter. The Italians spell his name Amerigo Vespucci LAm-e- 
ree-go Ves-pute-se], he died while in the service of the king of Spain, in 1514. 

3. First iu a letter to Lorenzo de Medici, and then [1507] in a volume, dedicated to the Duke of Lor- 
raine. These publications revealed what the Spanish government wished to conce^. Note 4, p. 43. 

4. In his second voyage [1493], Columbus took with liim several horses, a bull, and some cows. These 
were the first animals taken from Europe to America. 



QueMionx. — 14. How came Columbus to lose the honor of having his name given to America? Why 
•was it called America? 15. Relate the chief incidents of the remainder of his life? Where did he 
die ? Where are his remains ? 16. What befell the natives of the islands discovered by Columbus ? 
17. What other explorations were made ? 



30 



DISCOVERIES. 




Spaniards, and exploring voyages from Cuba, St. Domin- 
go and Porto Rico, were undertaken. The Eastern coast 
of Yucatan was discovered in 1506 : and in 1510, Yasco 
Nunez de Balboa, with a colony, settled upon the Isth- 
mus of Darien. This was the tirst colony planted on 
the American continent. Crossing the Isthmus in search 
of gold. Balboa' saw [1513] the Pacific Ocean in a south- 
erly direction from the top of a high mountain, and he 
called it the South Sea. In full costume, and bearing 
the Spanish flag, he entered its waters and took 
possession of the "seas, lands," &c., '"of the South," in 
the name of his sovereign. 

IS. Florida was discovered in 1512 by John Ponce 
de Leon, an old visionary, who had been governor of 
Porto Rico. "U'ith three ships he sailed for the Baha- 
mas in search of a fountain which unlettered natives 
and wise men of Spain believed to exist there, and 
whose waters possessed the quality of restoring old age to 
the bloom of youth, and making the recipient immortal. 

19. On Easter-Sunday,- the Fa^quas de F lores'^ of the Spaniards, Ponce de 
Leon, approached the shores of the great southern peninsula of the United 
States, and landed [March 27, 1512] near the site of St. Augustine.^ The forests 
and the green banks were laden with flowers : and when, soon after landing, 
Ponce took possession of the country in the name of his sovereign, this fact and 
the holy day were regarded, and he called the beautiful domain Florida. He 
continued his searches for the Fountain of Youth ail along the coast of Florida, 
and among the Tortugas (Tortoise) Islands, a hundred miles from its southern 
cape, but without success : and he returned to Porto Rico, an older if not a 
wiser man. He soon afterward went to Spain, where he remained several 
years. 

20. During Pouce de Leon's absence in Europe, some wealthy owners of plan- 
tations and mines in St. Domingo, sent Lucas Yasquez d" Ay lion, one of their 
number, with two vessels, to seize natives of the Bermudas, and bring them 
home for laborers. It was an unholy mission. A storm drove the voyagers 
into St. Helen's Sound, on the coast of South Carolina, and they anchored [1520] 
at the mouth of the Combahee river. The natives were kind and generous; 
and, judging their visitoi"s by their own simple standard of honor, they imsus- 
pectingly went upon the ship in crowds, to gratily their curiosity. While be- 
low, the hatches were closed, the sails were immediately spread, and those free 
children of the forest were borne away to work as bond-slaves in the mines of 
St. Domingo. But the perpetrators of the outrage did not accomphsh their 
designs. One of the vessels was destroyed by a storm : and almost every pris- 
oner in the other refused to take food, and died. The fruit of this perfidy was a 
feeling of hostility to wliite people, which spread throughout the whole of the 
Mobilian tribes, ^ and was a source of much trouble afterward. 

21. Soon after D' Ay lion's voyage, Ponce de Leon returned, bearing the com- 



t. The picture srives a correct representation of those armed Spaniards who attempted conquests in the 
New World. Balboa's fellow adventurers became jealous of his fame, and on their accusations he was 
put to death by the povernor of Darien. in 1517. 

2. The dav on which is cotmiemoraied the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 

3. Feast of flowers. 4 Verse 15. p. 36. 5. Sec. VIIL, p. 20. 



Que.'tions. — IS. VThat led to the discovery of Florida? 19. What can you tell of the discovery ard 
naming of I'lorida ? 20. Wlio else made a voyage to Florida? What was the result ? 21. AVhat was the 
result of efforts to conquer the natives of Florida ? 



SPANISH VOYAGES AND DISCOVERIES. 31 

mission of Governor of Florida, with instructions to plant settlements there. In 
attempts to do so, the a:ngrj natives, who had heard of the treachery of the 
Spaniards, attacked him furiously. He was mortally wounded, and almost all 
of his followers were killed. D'Ayllon was then appointed governor of the coun- 
trv which he had discovered and named Ghicora. He went thither to conquer 
it, and was received with apparent friendship by the natives on the banks of the 
Combahee.i Many of his men were induced to visit a village in the interior. 
The natives practised the lesson of treachery which D'Ayllon had taught them, 
a ad massacred the whole party. The commander himself was attacked upon 
his own ship, and it was with difficulty that he escaped. 

22. In 1517, Francisco Fernandez de Cordova commanded an expedition from 
Cuba, and discovered Mexico. His report of a people half civilized, and possess- 
ing treasures in cities, awakened the keenest cupidity of the Spaniards ; and the 
following year Velasquez, the governor of Cuba, sent another expedition to 
Mexico, under Juan de Grijalva. That captain returned with much treasure, 
obtained by trafficking with the Mexicans. 

23. Velasquez now determined to conquer the Mexicans, and possess himself 
of their sources of wealth. An expedition, consisting of eleven vessels, and 
more than six hundred armed men, was placed under the command of Fernando 
Cortez, a brave but treacherous and cruel leader. He landed first at Tobasco, 
and then at San Juan de Ulloa,- near Vera Cruz [April 12, 1519], where he 
received a friendly deputation from Montezuma, the Emperor of the nation.^ 
By falsehood and duplicity, Cortez and his armed companions were allowed to 
march to Mexico, the capital. By stratagem and boldness, and the aid of na- 
tive tribes who were hostile to the Mexican dynasty, Cortez^ succeeded, after 
many bloody contests during almost two years, in subduing the people. The 
city of Mexico surrendered to him [August 23, 1521], and the vast and popu- 
lous empire of Montezuma became a Spanish province. 

24. Seven years later [152S], Pamphilo de Narvaez having been appointed 
governor of Florida, went from Cuba, with three hundred men,-5 to conquer it. 
liopiug to find a wealthy empire, like Mexico, he penetrated the unknown 
interior as for as the southern borders of Georgia. Instead of cities filled with 
treasures, he found villages of huts, and the monarch of the country living in a 
wigwam.s Disappointed, and continually annoyed by hostile savages, who had 
heard of the treachery at the Combahee," he turned southward, and reaching 
the shores of Apallachee Bay, near St. Marks, he constructed rude boats and 
embarked for Cuba. The commander and most of his followers perished ; only 
four escaped, and these wandered from tribe to tribe for several years, before 
reaching a Spanish settlement in Mexico. 

25. The misfortunes of Narvaez did not suppress the spirit of adventure, 
and Florida (the name applied to all North America) was still regarded by 
the Spaniards as the new Land of Promise. All believed that in the vast 
interior were mines as rich, and people as wealthy as those of Mexico and 

1. D'Ayllon named this river Jordan, for he regarded the country as the new Land of Promise. 

2. Prono-UK-erl San-whahn-da-Ooloo-ah. Verse 24, p. 305. 

3. The Mexicans, at that time, were makin? rapid advances in the march of civilization. They were 
acquainted with many of the useful arts of cnlifrhtened nations, and appear to have been as far advanced 
in science, law, religion, and domestic and public organization, as were the Romans at the close of the 
republic. See note 4, p. 307. 

4. Born 1485, in Estramadura, Spain. Died in 1554. He committed many crimes in Mexico. 

5. They took with them about 40 horses, the first ever landed upon the soil of the present United 
States. These all perished by starvation, or the weapons of the Indians. 

6. Verse 7, p. 9. " 7. Verse 20, p. 30. 



QueMimis —22. When was Mexico discovered, and by whom ? 23. What efforts were made to conquer 
Mexico? 24. What can yon tell of another Spanish expedition to conquer Florida? 25. What opinion 
of Florida did the Spaniards possess "< 




32 DISCOVERIES. 

Yucatan. Among the most sanguine of the possessors 
of such an opinion, was Ferdinand de Soto, a brave and 
wealthy cavaher, who had gained riches and mihtary hon- 
ors, with Pizarro, in Peru.' 

26. De Soto obtained permission of the Spanish em- 
peror to conquer Florida at his own expense. He was 
appointed governor of Cuba, and also of Florida, and with 
ten vessels and six hundred men, all clad in armor, he 
sailed for the New World. Leaving his wife to govern 
Cuba, he proceeded to Florida, landed on the shores of 
Tampa Bay [June 10, 1539], sent most of his vessels 
DE SOTO. back, and then made his way, among hostile savages, 

toward the interior of the fancied land of gold.^ He win- 
tered on the banks of the Flint river, in Georgia, and in the Spring crossed the 
Apallachian mountains, and penetrated the beautiful country of the Gherokees.^ 

27. For several months, De Soto and his followers wandered over the hills 
and vallies of Alabama, in vain searches for treasure, fighting the fierce Mohilian 
tribes,^ and becoming diminished in numbers by battle and disease. They 
passed the "Winter of 1541 on the banks of the Tazoo river, in the land of the 
Ghickasaivs.^ In the Spring [May, 1541], they discovered and crossed the Mis- 
sissippi river, probably not far below Memphis, and, in the presence of almost 
twenty thousand Indians, De Soto there erected a cross, made of a huge pine 
tree. They went up the western shore of the Mississippi as far as New Madrid, 
The ensuing Summer and Winter were spent in the wilderness watered by the 
Arkansas and its tributaries, and in the Spring they returned to the Mississippi, 
at the mouth of the Wachita, where De Soto sickened and died, after appointing 
his successor.^ They had marched full three thousand miles. 

28. The followers of De Soto were now reduced to half their original num- 
ber ; and, abandoning all hope of finding gold, or a wealthy people, they sought 
for Spanish settlements in Mexico. For many months they wandered over the 
prairies, among the tributary streams of the Red River, as far as the land of the 
Comanches^'^ when impassable mountain ranges compelled them to retrace their 
steps to the Mississippi. At a little below Natchez they remained until the fol- 
lowing July [1543], engaged in constructing seven large boats, in which they 
embarked. Reaching the Gulf of Mexico, they crept cautiously along its coast ; 
and, on the 20th of September, the little remnant of De Soto's proud army, half- 
naked and starving, arrived at a Spanish settlement near the mouth of the 
Panuco. thirty miles north of Tampico. 

29. This was the last attempt of the Spanish contemporaries of Columbus to 
explore, or to make settlements within the present territory of the United 
States, previous to the appearance of the English'^ in the same field. They were 
impelled by no higher motive than the acquisition of gold ; and treachery and 
violence were the instruments employed to obtain it. They were not worthy to 



apidly 

forests. They were the first, of their species, seen in America. 

5. Verse 1, p. 19. 4. Sec. VIII.. p. 20. 5. Verse 6, p. 21. 

6. De Soto's followers sunk the body of their leader deep in the Mississippi, so that the Indians should 
not find it. 

7. Verse 1, p. 23. 8. Terse 21, p. 38. 



QueMioms.—^. What were the principal incidents of the first vear of De Soto's expedition to Flnrida? 
27. What happened during: the remainder of De Soto's career? 28. What was the result of De Soto's 
expedition? 29. What were the chief motives of the Spaniards in making discoveries? What design 
of Providence do we see in their failure ? 



ENGLISH AND FRENCH DISCOVERIES. 



33 



possess the magnificent country which they coveted only for its supposed wealth 
in precious metals ; and it was reserved for others, who came afterward, with 
loftier aims, better hearts, and stronger hands, to cultivate the soil, and to estab- 
lish an Empire founded upon truth and justice. The Spaniards did become 
possessors of the southern portion of the continent ; and to this day the curse of 
moral and political despotism rests upon those regions. 



SECTION III. 



ENGLISH AND FRENCH DISCOVERIES. 



1. The Spanish court could not conceal the fact that a New "World had been 
discovered,' and over Continental Europe and the British Isles, were spread the 
most extravagant tales of gold-bearing regions beyond the Atlantic Ocean. 
Monarchs and wealthy subjects projected new expeditions. Among those 
whose zeal in the cause of maritime discovery was newly awakened, was Henry 
the Seventh of England, who had turned a deaf ear to the appeals of Columbus 
before his great first voyage. ^ 

2. Bristol was then one of the most important maritime towns in England ; 
and among its adventurous seamen, who had penetrated the polar waters, prob- 
ably as far as Greenland, was Sebastian Cabot, son of a wealthy Venetian mer- 
chant of Bristol, whose father sought the aid of the king in making a voj'^age of 
discovery. Willing to secure a portion of the prize he had lost, Henry readily 
yielded to the solicitations of Cabot, and gave him and his sons a commission 
of discovery [March 16, 1496] similar, in some respects, to that which Colum- 
bus had received from Ferdinand and Isabella.^ 

3. Young Cabot sailed fi-om Bristol in May 
1497, with two vessels, freighted by his father 
and others of that port, and of London. He 
steered north-westerly until he encountered im- 
mense fields of ice, westward of Cape Farewell, 
when he turned to the southwest, and on the 3d 
of July [1497] he discovered the rugged coast 
of Labrador. Passing Cape Charles, he saw 
Newfoundland ;< and, after touching at several 
points, he hastened to England to announce the 
fact that he had first discovered a great western 
continent. 

4. The following year, young Cabot, ^ although 
only twenty -one years of age was placed in com- 
mand of another expedition, fitted out by his 
father and some Bristol merchants, for the pur- 
pose of discovering a north-west passage to India. Ice in the polar seas pre- 
sented an impassable barrier, and he was compelled to go southward. He ex- 
plored the coast from the frozen regions of Labrador to the sunny land of the 




SEBASTIAN CABOT. 



1. Verse 14, p. 29. 2. Verse 4, p. 26. 3. Note 6, p. 27. 4. Verse 5, p. 34. 

5. He was made Grand Pilot of England, and published a Map of the SVorld. Born 1477 ; died 1557. 



Questions.— \. What was the effect of the Spanish discoveries on other portions of Europe? 2. What 
movement in the direction of discovery took place in England 3. What discoveries did the Cabots 
make? 4. What can you tell of the discoveries of Sebastian Cabot? What honor belongs to Italy ? 

2* 



84 



DISCOVERIES. 



Carolinas. Nineteen years afterward [15lV] he navigated the northern waters, 
as for as the entrance to Hudson's Bay ; and nine years later [1526], while m 
the service of the Emperor of Spain/ he explored the coast of Brazil, discovered 
and named the great Rio de la Plata, and penetrated the southern continent, m 
boats upon the bosom of that river, almost four hundred miles. To the Cabots 
father and son, belongs the imperishable honor of first discovering the coast ot 
the United States, through, at least, ten degrees of latitude ; and to Italy be- 
lonirs the honor of giving birth to the two great discoverers, Columbus and 
Cabot, and to Americus Yespucius, whose name our continent now bears.2 

5. Cabot first discovered the immense numbers and commercial importance 
of the cod fishes in the vicinity of Newfoundland ; and within five or six years 
after their first voyages, many fishermen w^ent thither from England, Brittany, 
and Normandy, for those treasures of the deep. Every French vessel that went 
to America, was on a commercial errand only, until 1523, when Francis the 
First fitted' out four ships, for the purpose of exploring 
the coasts of the New World. He gave the command to 
John Verrazzani, an eminent Florentine navigator. 
Verrazzani sailed in December, 1523, but a tempest 
disabled three of his ships, and he was compelled to go 
with only one. He proceeded due west from the Ma- 
deiras [Jan. 27, 1524], and first touche'd the American 
Continent [March] near the mouth of the Cape Fear 
River, in North Carohna. After seeking a good harbor 
for fifty leagues further south, he sailed northward, and 
explored the coast from the Carolinas to Newfoundland. 
He anchored in the bays of Delaware and New York, 3 the 
harbor of Newport, and probably that of Boston, and held 

intercourse with the natives, 

who were sometimes friendly and sometimes hostile. 
Yerrazzani gave the name of New France to the 
vast regions within the latitudes of the coasts which 
he had discovered. 

6. The French king was too much engrossed and 
impoverished b}^ war with the Spanish monarch, to 
pay much attention to the important discoveries of 
Yerrazzani, or to listen to plans for future expedi- 
tions. Ten years elapsed before Admiral Chabon 
induced Francis to encourage another exploring en- 
terprize, when a plan for making settlements in New 
France was arranged [1534], and James Cartier, a 
mariner of St. Malo, was appointed to the command 




VERKAZZANI. 




CARTIER'S SHIP. 



1. Charles the Fifth, who was also Emperor of Germany.. 

2. King John of Portugal, like Henry of England, had refused to aid Columbus, and lost the great 
prize. After the return of the navigator, he felt a desire to fit out an expedition for discoveries in the 
New World, but the Pope having given to Spain the whole region westward, beyond an imaginary line 
three hundred leagues west from the Azores, he dared not interfere with the Spanish mariners. But 
when the northern voyages of the Cabots became known. King John despatched an expedition in that 
direction, under Gaspar Cortorcal, toward the close of the year 1500, for the ostensible purpose of seek- 
ing a northwest passage to India. Cortoreal coasted along the shores of Labrador several hundred 
miles, and then freighting his ship with fifty natives whom he had caught, he returned to Portugal, and 
sold his living cargo, for slaves. Finding the adventure profitable, he sailed for another cargo, but he 
was never heard of afterward. Almost sixty years later some Portuguese settled on Newfoundland and 
Nova Scotia, and first imported cattle and swine there. 

3. Heckewelder says thnt Verrazzani landed where the lower extremity of New York city is, and 
giving the natives some spirituous liquors, made many of them drunk. The Indians called the place 
Manna-ha-ta, or " place of drunkenness," and they were afterward called Manna-ha-tans. 

Quesiion.<i.—5. What commercial discovery did young Cabot make? What did the French do? What 
can vou tell of Verrazzani's voyage? 6. What caused a cessation of French efforts at discovery? What 
expedition was fitted out in 1534? What discoveries were made? 



ENGLISH AND FRENCH DISCOVERIES. 



85 




ARMS OF FRANCE. 



of an expedition. He reached Newfoundland early in June, 1534. After ex- 
ploring its coasts, he passed through the Straits of Belleisle, into the Gulf beyond, 
planted a cross with the arms of France upon it, on the 
shore of Gaspe inlet, and took possession of the whole 
country in the name of his king. After discovering the 
mouth* of the great river of Canada, he mailed for France, in 
time to avoid the Autumn storms on the American coast. 

7. Cartior's success was hailed with great joy. He was 
commissioned for another voyage ; and in May following 
[1535] he sailed for Newfoundland with three ships, ac- 
companied by several young noblemen of France. They 
passed the straits of Belleisle, and entered the Gulf on 
the day dedicated to St. Lawrence; and Cartier gave iho 
name of the martyr to the broad sheet of water over which 
they were sailing. They passed up the river which after- 
ward received the same name, and mooring their ships at 
Quebec,' proceeded in a pinnace and boats to Hochelaga, the 
capital of the Huron king.2 The natives were everywhere 
friendly and hospitable. 

8. Cartier ascended the mountain in the rear of the 
Indian town ; and so impressed was he with the glori- 
ous view from its summit, that he called it Mont-Real (royal mountain), which 
name the fine city at its base yet retains. They returned to Quebec, and 
passed the severe \Yinter on board their ships. In the Spring, after setting up 
a cross, and taking formal possession of the country, they returned to France, 
having lost twenty-five seamen with the scurvy, a disease until then unknown- 
Their departure was disgraced by an act of treachey which planted the seeds of 
hntrcd of the white people among the natives of the St. Lawrence : the hospitable 
Ilaron king was decoyed on board one of the vessels, and carried off to France. 

9. Cartier's report of the rigors of the winter and the 
barrenness of the land in precious stones and metals, was 
discouraging, and four years elapsed before another expe- 
dition was planned. At length, Francis de la Roque, bet- 
ter known as lord of Roberval, in Picardy, obtained per- 
mission of the king to make further discoveries, and to 
plant settlements in New France.s The king invested 
him with the empty title of Viceroy of the whole country. 
Cartier's services being indispensable, he too was commis- 
sioned, but for subordinate command. He was ready long 
before RobervaFs extensive preparations were completed, 
and being unwilling to bow to the new Viceroy's author- 
ity, he sailed [June, 1541] some months before his official 
superior. 

10. Cartier intended to take the Huron king back with 
him, but the broken-hearted monarch had died in France. 
It was an unfortunate occurrence. The natives received 
Cartier first with coldness, and then showed open hostility. 

Fearing the Indians, the French built a fort near Quebec. They passed the 
Vvlnter without accomplishing any important achievement, and in June [1542] 




FRENCH NOBLEMAN, 
IN 1540. 



1. Pronounced Ke-bec. 



2. Verse 3, p. 12. 



3. Verse 5, p. 34. 



Qneatiom. — 7. What Europeans first ascended the St. Lawrence? How far did they go? 8. What is 
the oiig-in of the town and name of Montreal? What were the incidents of Cartier's sta.T at Quebec? 
9 What other expedition went to the St. Lawrence ? 10. What do you know of the French in Canada in 
1542 and 1543? 



36 DISCOVERIES. j 

followig, departed for France, just as Roberval arrived at Newfoundland, with 
two hundred persons. Roberval passed up the St. Lawrence, built two more 
forts near Quebec, endured a Winter of great distress, and abandoning the idea 
of settlement, returned to France in the Spring of 1543. Six years afterward, he 
again sailed for the St. Lawrence, and was never heard of again. 

11. Now was the era of the Reformation in France.' The doctrines and the 
teachings of Calvin and others, in opposition to the faith and practice of the 
Roman Catholic Church, had already arrayed great masses of the people in vio- 
lent hostility to each other. The religious war was an absorbing idea, and for 
Mfty years the French government made no further attempts at discovery or 
colonization. But private enterprise sought to plant a French settlement in the 
laud discovered by D'Ayllon.^ 

12. The Huguenots, or French Protestants, had a powerful friend in Jasper 
Coligny, admiral of France, but a weak protector in the reigning monarch, 
Charles the Ninth. The tires of persecution were continually burning, and 
Coligny conceived the noble idea of providing a place of refuge for his Protestant 
brethren, beyond the Atlantic. The king granted him a commission for that 
purpose, and early in 1562 [Feb. 28], a squadron, under John Ribault, sailed 
for America. 

13. The little Huguenot fleet touched first near the harbor of St. Augustine, 
in Florida.3 Sailing northward, they saw the mouth of the beautiful St. John's 
river [May, 1562], and, it being the fifth miOnth of the year, they named it Alay. 
Making their way along the coast, they discovered Port Royal entrance, were 
charmed with the beauty of the scene, chose the spot for their future home, and 
built a small fort, which they named Carolina, in honor of the king. Leaving a 
garrison to defend it, Ribault went back to France with the ships, for reinforce- 
ments. Bitter disappointment ensued. Civil war was raging in France, and 
Cohgny was almost powerless. The reinforcements were not supphed, and the 
little garrison, in despair, built a frail vessel, and, with insufiBcient stores, em- 
barked for France. Tempests assailed them, and .mine was menacing them 
-with death, when they were picked up by an English bark. Thus perished the 
first seeds of rehgious freedom which the storms of persecution bore to the New 
World. 

14. Coligny was not discouraged ; and, during a lull in the tempest of civil 
commotion, another expedition was sent to America, under the command of 
Laudonniere, who had accompanied Ribault on his first voyage. They arrived 
in July [1564], pitched their tents on the banks of St. John's, and built an- 
other Fort Carolina. There were elements of dissolution among these emigrants. 
Many were idle, vicious, and improvident ; and provisions soon became scarce. 
Under pretext of returning to France, to escape famine, quite a large party 
sailed [December] in one of the vessels. They turned pirates, and depredated 
extensively upon Spanish property in the West Indies. The remainder became 
discontented, and were about to embark for France, when Ribault arrived with 
emigrants and supplies, and took command.-* 

15. When the Spanish monarch heard of the settlement of the French Pro- 
testants within his claimed territory, and of the piracies of some of the party, he 
adopted measures for their expulsion and punisliment. Pedro Melendez, a brave 

1. Note 14, p. 45. 2. Verse 21. p- 30. 3. Verse 15, p. 36. 

4. .Tames Le Moyne, a skilful painter, was sent with this Expedition, with instiuctions to make colored 
drawings of every" object y-onhy of preservation. His illustrations of the costume and customs of the 
natives are very interesting, because authentic. 

QueMioiw:.—!!. ^Vhv did the French cease making voyages of discovery? 12. What French settle- 
ment was attempted in America in 1552. and by whom? 13. Can you relate the principal events con- 
nected with the attempt to make a Huguenot settlement in America ? 14. What was the character and 
conduct of the people of a second expediiion to plant a settlement? 15. What expedition was fitted out 
agaiiut the French Protestants in Florida ? 



ENGLISH AND FRENCH DISCOVERIES. 37 

but cruel military chiefj was appointed Governor of Florida, on condition that 
he should expel the Frenchmen from the soil, conquer the natives, and plant a 
colony there within three years. He came with a strong, armed force, landed 
in a fine harbor on tlie coast of Florida, laid the foundations of St. Augustine 
[Sept. ITtli, 1565], and proclaimed the king of Spain to be monarch of all North 
America. 

16. On hearing of the arrival of the Spaniards, a large party of the French, 
under Ribault, proceeded from the St. John's, by water, to attack them. A 
tempest wrecked every vessel ; and most of the survivors, who fell into the hands 
of the Spaniards, were put to death. In the meanwhile, Melendez made his 
way through the swamps and forests with a strong force, to the defenceless 
French settlement, where he massacred about nine hundred men, women, and 
children, and over their dead bodies placed an inscription, avowing that he slew 
them, not "because they were Frenchmen, but Lutherans."^ Upon that field of 
blood the monster erected a cross, and laid the foundation of a church to com- 
memorate the deed. 

17. The feeble Charles of France took no steps to avenge the outrage, perpe- 
trated under the sanction of the bigot, Philip the Second, of Spain. But one of 
his subjects, a fiery soldier of Gascony, named Dominic de Gourges, inflicted 
retribution. He had suffered Spanish bondage, and panted for revenge. He 
fi.tted out three ships at his own expense, and with one hundred and fifty men 
sailed for Florida. He attacked the Spaniards upon the St. John's, made two 
hundred prisoners, and hanging his captives upon the trees almost upon the 
spot where his countrymen had been murdered, he placed over them the in- 
scription — "I do not this as unto Spaniards or mariners, but unto traitors, rob- 
bers, and murderers." Too weak to brave the vengeance of Melendez, who was 
at St. Augustine, De Gourges immediately left the coast, and returned to 
France. The natives were delighted at seeing their common enemies thus de- 
stroying each other. The Spaniards, however, held possession, and a Spanish 
settlement was ever afterward maintained at St. Augustine, except during a few 
years. 

18. Although the English seem not to have wholly relinquished the idea of 
planting settlements in America, it was not until the twentieth year of the bril- 
liant reign of Queen Elizabeth, and almost eighty years after the discovery of 
the continent by Cabot, "^ that healthy efforts to found colonies in the New 
"World, were made. Sir Martin Frobisher-^ (an eminent navigator) and others had 
explored the north-western coast of North America, to the dreary region north 
of Hudson's Bay,^ in search of precious metals and a north-west passage to India,' 
but without beneficial results. Newfoundland was visited every year by numer- 
ous English and French fishing vessels, and the neighboring continent was 
frequently touched by the hardy mariners. Yet no feasible plans for coloniza- 
tions were matured, 

19. "When the public mind of England was turned from the cold regions of Lab- 
rador and the fancied mineral wealth in its rugged mountains, to the milder 
South, and the more solid benefits to be derived from plantations than mines, a 

1. The Protestants were often called by the general name of Lutherans, because the later Reformation 
was commenced by the bold opposition of Martin Luther to the corrupt practices of the Romish Church. 
Note 14, p. 45. 

2. Verse 3, p. 33. 

3. Born in Yorkshire, England ; was trained in the narigator's art, and died of wounds received in a 
naval battle in 1594. 

4. Note 8, p. 42. 5. Note 2, p. 34. 



Quextiom. — 16. What was the fate of the French settlers? 17. How did the French retaliate the 
cruelty of the Spaniards? 18. WTiere and how did the English attempt settlements in America? 
19. What events led to the efforts of England to plant settlements in the middle regions of Ameiica? 



OQ 

oo 



DISCOVEEIES. 



now and brilliant era in the history of civilization began. This change was pro- 
duced incidentally by the Huguenot adventurers.' The remnant of Coligny's 
first colony, who' were picked up at sea and sent to England, informed the 
queen of the glory of the chmate and the fertility of the soil, of Carolina. "When 
De Gourges returned fi'om his foray upon the Spaniards,- Walter Raleigh, then 
a young man of much promise, was learning the art of war with Coligny, in 
France, and he communicated to his friends in England that Chevaher's account 
of Florida, which was yet a wilderness free for the sons of toil. The Protest- 
ant 3 feehug of England was strongly stirred by the cruelties of Melendez, and 
soon many minds were employed in planning schemes for the colonizing of the 
pleasant middle regions of Xorth America. 

20. The first healthy plan for settlement was proposed by the learned Sir 
Humphrey Gilbert, a step-brother of Walter Raleigh. In June. 1578. he ob- 
tained a liberal patent or grant from the queen. Raleigh gave him the aid of 
his hand and fortune; and early in 1579. Gilbert sailed for America, with a 
small squadron, accompanied by his step-brother. Heavy storms and Spanish 
war vessels compelled them to return, and the scheme was abandoned for a time. 
Four years afterward [1583] Gilbert sailed with another squadron ; and after a 
series of dis^isters. he reached the harbor of St. John, in Xewfoundland. There 
he set up a pillar with the English arms upon it,^ proclaimed the sovereignty of 
his queen, and then proceeded to explore the coast southward. After being 
terribly beaten by tempests off the shores of Xova Scotia and Maine, and losing 
his largest ship, he turned his vessel toward England. At midnight, during a 
gale, his own little bark of ten tons went down, with all on board [Sept.]. and 
only one vessel of the expedition returned to England to relate the dreadtul 
narrative. 

21. Raleigh now obtained a patent for himself [April 1584]. which made him 

lord proprietor of all lands that might be 
discovered by him in America, between the 
Santee and Delaware Rivers. He despatched 
Phihp Amidas and Arthur Barlow, with two 
well-furnished ships, to explore the Ameri- 
can coast. They approached the shores of 
Carolina^ in July, and landing upon the 
islands of TTocoken and Roanoke, in Pam- 
lico and Albemarle Sounds, they took pos- 
session of the country in the niime of Eliza- 
beth. They remained a few weeks, explor- 
ing the Sounds and trafficking with the na- 
tives, and then returned to England with two 
sons of the forest.^ The glowing accounts of 
the newly discovered country filled Raleigh's"'^ 
heart with joy ; and the queen declared the 
RALsiGH. event to be (what it really was) one of the 

most glorious of her reign. In memorial of 
her unmarried state, she eave the name of Viegixia to the enchantinsr reeion. 




1. Verse 13. p. 36. 2. Verse 17, p. 37. 3. Note 14, p. 45. 4. Xote 4. p. 2S. 

5. The French Protestants had given the name of Carolina lo the region -w-here they atiempted senle- 
ment, and it has ever since retained it. See verse 13, p. 36. 

6. ifant^y and Wanchese. natives of the adjacent continent : probahly of the ITatieras tribe. 

7. Born in Devonshire. England. 1552. He wrote a History of the World while in prison under a false 
charge of high treason for which he was beheaded in London, Oct. 29th, 162S. 



Questions. — 20. What can you tell of the expedition under Sir Humphrey Gilbert? 21. ^Vhat expe- 
diiions did Sir Walter Raleigh fit ont * What was the result? 



ENGLISH AND FRENCH DISCOVERIES. 



89 




RALEIGH S SHIPS. 



22. Raleigh now indulged in brilliant dreams 
of wealth and power to be derived from the 
New World, and he made immediate preparations 
for planting settlements on his trans-Atlantic 
domains. He despatched a fleet of seven vessels 
[April 19, 1585], under the command of Sir 
Richard Grenville. He was accompanied by 
Ralph Lane, the appointed governor of the col- 
ony, with learned companions ; and also by Man- 
teo, the native chief. They narrowly escaped 
shipwreck on the Carolina coast [June], and in 
consequence they named the land where their 
peril was greatest, Cape Fear. Entering Ocracock 
Inlet, they landed upon the island of Roanoke, in 
Albemarle Sound, and there prepared for a per- 
manent residence. 

23. Instead of looking to the fruition of seed-time for true riches, the English 
turned from the wealthy soil upon which they stood, and went upon vain 
searches for gold in the forests of the adjoining continent. Instead of recipro- 
cating the hospitable friendship of the natives, they returned harshness for 
kindness, and treachery for confidence, until a flam.e of revenge was kindled 
among the Indians which nothing but the blood of Englishmen could quench. 
Schemes for the destruction of the white intruders were speedily planned, and 
tribes in the interior stood ready to aid their brethren upon the seaboard. As 
soon as Grenville departed with the ships, for England, the natives withheld 
supplies of food, drew the English into perilous positions by tales of gold-bearing 
shores along the Roanoke river, and finaUy reduced the colony to the verge of 
ruin. At that moment. Sir Francis Drake arrived from the West Indies, with 
his fleet and afforded them relief. But misfortunes and fear made them anxious 
to leave the country, and the emigrants were all conveyed to England [June, 
1586] by Drake. A few days after their departure, a well-furnished vessel, sent 
by Raleigh, arrived ; and a fortnight later, Grenville entered the inlet -with three 
ships well provisioned. After searching for the departed colony, Grenville 
sailed for England, leaving fifteen men upon Roanoke. 

24. Raleigh was still undismayed by misfortune. He adopted a wise policy, 
and instead of sending out mere fortune-hunters,' he collected a band of agri- 
culturists and artisans, with their families, and despatched them [April 26, 
1587] to found an industrial State in Virginia, He gave them a charter of 
incorporation for the settlement ; and John White, who accompanied them, was 
appointed governor of the colony. They reached Roanoke in July, but instead 
of the expected greetings of the men left by Grenville, they encountered utter 
desolation. The bones of the fifteen lay bleaching on the ground. Their rude 
tenements were in ruins, and wild deer were feeding in their little gardens. 
They had been murdered by the Indians. 

25. Manteo2 did not share in the Indian hatred of the white people, and like 
Massasoit of New England,^ he remained their friend. By command of Raleigh 
he received Christian baptism, and was invested, by White, with the title of 



1. Verse 16, p. 49. 



2. Note 6, p. 38. 



3. Verse 2, p. 84. 



Question.?.— 22. What otber efforts did Raleigh make ? 23. What ought the English to have sought 
instead of gold? What befell the English on the island of Roanoke ? How were they saved? Who 
canie with relief ? 24. What new scheme did Raleigh undertake? What did the new adventurers find 
on Roanoke? 25. What can you relate of an Indian sachem? What interesting event occurred in 
V irginia at that time ? 



•iO 



DISCOVERIES. 



Lord of Eoanoke, the first and last peerage created in America. Yet Manteo 
could not avert nor control the storm that lowered among the Indian tribes, and 
menaced the English with destruction. The colonists perceived that fearful 
perils were gathering, and "White hastened to England toward the close of the 
year for reinforcements and provisions, leaving behind him his daughter, Eleanor 
bare (wife of one of his lieutenants), who had just given birth to a child 
[August 18, 1587], whom they named Virginia. Yikgixia Dare was the first 
offspring of English parents born within the territory of the United States.' 

26. When White reached England, the great Spanish Armada"^ was preparing 
for an invasion of Great Britain ; and Raleigli, Grenville, and others, were deeply 

engaged in public affairs. It was not until the following 
May [1589], that White departed, with two ships, for 
Virginia. According to custom, he went by the way 
of the West Indies, and depredated upon Spanish prop- 
erty found afloat. He was beaten in an engagement, lost 
one of his vessels, and was obliged to return to England. 
Raleigh's fortune being materially impaired by his munifi- 
cence in efforts at colonization, he assigned his proprietary 
rights to others; and it was not until 1590 that White 
was allowed to return to Roanoke in search of his daugh- 
ter and the colony he had left. Both had then disap- 
peared. Roanoke was a desolation ; and, though Raleigh, 
who had abandoned all thoughts of colonization, had five 
times sent mariners, good and true, to search for the 
emigrants, they were never found.3 Eighty years later, 
the Corees^ told the EngUsh settlers upon the Cape Fear 
river, that their lost kindred had been adopted by the once 
powerful Hatteras tribe,^ and became amalgamated with 
the children of the wilderness. The English made no 
further attempts at colonization at that time: and so, a 
century after Columbus sailed for America, there was no European settlement 
upon the Xorth American Continent. Sir Francis Drake had broken up the 
military post at St. Augustine [1585], and the Red Men^ were again sole masters 
of the vast domain. 

27. Twelve years after the failure of Raleigh's colonization efforts, Bartholo- 
mew Gosnold, who had been to America, and was a friend of the late pro- 
prietor of Virginia, sailed in a small bark [March 26. 1602] directly across the 
Atlantic for the American coast. After a voyage of seven weeks, he discovered 
the continent near Xahant [May 14. 1602], and sailing southward, he landed 
upon a sandy point which he named Cape Cod, on account of the great num- 
ber of those fishes in that vicinity. Continuing southward, he discovered ifan- 




ENGLISH GEXTLEMAh', 
1530. 



1. Note 5, p. 58. 

2. This was a great n.aval armament, fitted out by Spain, for the invasion of England in the Summer 
of 15SS. It consisted of 150 ships, 2,650 great guns, and 30,000 soldiers and sailors. It was defeated 
[July 20] by Admirals Drake and Howard. 

.3. While Raleigh was making these fruitless searches, the Marquis de la Roche, a wealthy French 
nobleman, attempted to plant a French colony in America. He was commissioned by the King of 
France for the purpose, and in 159S sailed for America with a colony, chiefly drawn from the prisons 
of Paris. Upon the almost desert island of Sable, near the coast of Xova Scotia, La Roche left forty 
men, while he returned to France for supplies. He died soon afterward, and for seven years the poor 
emigrants were neslectei. When a vessel was finally sent for them, only twelve survived. They were 
taken to France, their crimes were pardoned by the king, and their immediate wants were supplied. 

4. Verse 11, p. 15. S.Xote 1, p. 15. 6. Verse 1, p, 7. 



Qnestions. — 26. Wh.at probably became of White's colony? What was the condition of America in 
regard lo settlements a century after the voyage of Columbus? 27. What were the chief incidents of an 
expedition tinder Gosnold ? 



ENGLISH AND FKENCH DISCOVERIES. 41 

tucket, Martha's Vineyard, and the group known as Elizabeth Islands. Upon 
one of them, which he named Elizabeth, in honor of his sovereign, Gosnold and 
his company prepared to found a settlement. Upon an islet, in a tiny lake, 
they built a fort and store-house.' Becoming alarmed at the menaces of the 
Indians and the want of supplies, they freighted their vessel with sassafras 
roots, and returned to England. [June 1602.] 

28. The glowing accounts of the country which Gosnold gave, awakened the 
enterprise of some Bristol merchants, ^ and the following year [1603] 'they fitted 
out two vessels for the purposes of exploration and traffic with the natives. 
The command was given to Martin Pring, a friend of both Raleigh and Gosnold. 
Following the ti'ack of the latter, he discovered the shores of Maine, near the 
mouth of the Penobscot [June], and coasting westward, he entered and explored 
several of the larger rivers of that state. He continued sailing along the coast 
as far as Martha's Vineyard, trading with the natives ; and from that island 
he returned to England, after an absence of only six months. Pring made 
another voyage to Maine in 1606, and more thoroughly explored the country. 
Maine was also visited in 1605, by Captain George Weymouth, who had ex- 
plored the coast of Labrador in search of a north-west passage to India.^ He 
entered the Sagadahock, and took formal possession of the country in the name 
of King James. He decoyed five natives on board his vessel, and then sailed 
for England. These excited much curiosity, and the narratives of other mariners 
of the West of England, who visited these regions at about the same time, gave 
a new stimulus to colonizing efforts. 

29. In 1603, De Monts, a wealthy French Huguenot, '^ obtained a commission of 
vice-royalty over six degrees of latitude in New France,^ extending from Cape 
May to Quebec. He prepared an expedition for settlement, and arrived at Nova 
Scotia,^ with two vessels, in May 1604.^ He passed the Summer there, traffick- 
ing with the natives ; and in the Autumn he crossed over to the mouth of the St. 
Croix, (the eastern boundary of Maine,) and erected a fort there. He had left a 
few settlers at Port Royal (now Annapolis) under Poutrincourt. These De Monts 
joined the following Spring [1605], and organized a permanent colony. He 
named the place Port Royal ; and the territory now included in Nova Scotia, 
New Brunswick, and the adjacent Islands, he called Acadie.^ 

30. On being deprived of his vice-royal commission in 1608, De Monts obtain- 
ed a grant of the monoply of the fur-trade upon the St. Lawrence, for one year, 
and a new commission to plant a colony elsewhere in New France. The new 
expedition was placed under the command of Samuel Champlain, (who accom- 
panied the viceroy on his first voyage,) and on the third of June 1608 he ar- 
rived, with two vessels, at the mouth of the Saguenay, on the St. Lawrence. They 
ascended the great river, and on the site of Quebec, near where Cartier built his 
fort almost seventy years before,^ they planted the first permanent French settle- 
ment in the New World. The following Summer, Champlain ascended the 



1. Dr. Belknap discovered the cellar of this store-house in 1797. 

2. Verse 2, p. 33. 3. Note 6, p. 315. 4. Verse 12, p. 36. 
5. Verse 5, p. 34. 6. No'.e 6, p. 59. 

7. De Monts first brought swine, and other domestic animals, into this portion of America. Some were 
also taken from thence to French settlements planted in Canada a few years later. The company of 
•which he was chief, fitted out four vessels. De Monts commanded the' two here named, assisted by 
Champlain and Poutrincourt. 

8. In 1613, Samuel Argall made a piratical visit to these coasts, under the direction of the governor 
of the Virginia colony. He destroyed the remnant of De Monts' settlement at St. Croix, broke up the 
peaceful colony at Port Eoyal, and plundered the people of every thing of value. See Verse 4 p 53 

9. Verse 10, p. 35. 



Qxustions — .28. What were the effects of fJosnold's voyage? Relate the incidents of Pring's vovageT 
Who visited the coast of Maine in 1605? What effects followed ? What were the principal incidents of 
the expedition of De Monts ? 30. What did De Monts afterwards do 1 What did Champlain achieve ? 



42 



DISCOVEEIES. 




Richelieu or Sorel river, witli a war party of Huron} and Algonquirfi Indians,] 
and discovered the beautiful lake which bears his name, in the north-eastern part] 
of the State of New York.^ : 

31. While the French were exploring, and making efforts at settlement in thej 

direction of the St. Lawrence, the English werej 
not idle. Several private enterprises were in pro-i 
gress, among the most important of which was: 
that of a company of London Merchants who sent; 
Henry Hudson, an intimate friend of Captain! 
Smith, 4 to search for a supposed north-east ocean; 
passage to India. He made two unsuccessful: 
voj^ages to the regions of polar ice [1607-8], andj 
the attempt was abandoned. Anxious to winj 
the honor of first reaching India by the northern: 
seas, Hudson applied to the Dutch East India' 
Company^ for aid. The Amsterdam directors af- 
forded it, and on the 4th of April, 1609, Hudson 
departed from Amsterdam, in command of the: 
HUDSON. Half-Moon^ a yacht of eighty tons. He sought a'i 

north-eastern passage; but after doubling the; 

capes of Norway, the ice was impassable. Turning his prow, he steered across; 

the Atlantic, and first touching the continent on j 

the shores of Penobscot Bay, he arrived in sight of 

the Capes of Virginia in August, 1609. 

32. Proceeding northward, Hudson entered the 
mouths of several large rivers, and finally passed 
the Narrows^ and anchored in New York Bay. He 
proceeded almost sixty leagues up the river that 
bears his name, and, according to the formula of the 
age, took possession of the country in the name of 
the States General of Holland. ^ He returned to 
Europe^ in November 1609, and his report of the 
goodly land he had discovered set in motion those 
commercial measures which resulted in the found- 
ing of a Dutch empire in the New World.^ 

33. Now commenced the epoch of settlements. The whole Atlantic coast of 




HALF-MOON. 



1. Verse 1, p. 16. 2. Verse 1, p. 12. 

3. Champlain penetrated southward as far as Crown Point ; perhaps south of Ticonderoga. It was 
at about the same time that Hudson went up the river that bears his name, as far as Waterford ; so that 
these eminent navigators, exploring at different points, came very near meeting in the wilderness. Six 
years afterward, Champlain discovered I,ake Huron, and there he joined some Huron Indians in an ex- 
pedition against one of the Five Nations in Western New York. They had a severe battle in the neigh- 
borhood of the present village of Canandaigua. Champlain died in 1634. 

4. Verse 11, p. 47. 

5. Dutch mariners, following the track of the Portuguese, opened a successful traflSck with Eastern 
Asia, about the year 1594. The various Dutch adventurers, in the India tradCj were united in one cor- 
porate body in 1602, with a capital of over a million of dollars, to whom were given the exclusive privi- 
lege of trading in the seas east of the Cape of Good Hope. This was the Dutch East India Company. 

6. Entrance to New York bay between Long and Stateu Islands. 

7. This was the title of the Government of Holland, answering, in a degree, to our Congress. 

8. Hudson, while on another voyage in search of a north-west passage, discovered the great Bay in 
the northern regions, which bears his name. He was there frozen in the ice during the winter of 1610-11. 
While endeavoring to make his way homeward in the Spring, his crew became mutinous. They finally 
seized Hudson, bound his arms, and placing him and his son, and seven sick companions, in an opea 
boat, set them adrift upon the cold waters. They were never heard of afterwards. 

9. Verse 6, p. 53, 



Questions.— 'S\^. What were the English doing at this time? For what was Henry Hudson employed ? 
What brought him to America? 32. What were the results of Hudson's voyage to America? 33. What 
epoch in the History of the New World now commenced ? How was America regarded ? 



ENGLISH AND FRENCH DISCOVERIES. 43 

North America had beeu thoroughly or partially explored, the general character 
and resources of the soil had become known, and henceforth the leading com- 
mercial nations of Western Europe — England, France, Spain and Holland — re- 
garded the transatlantic continent, not as merely a rich garden without a wall, 
where depredators from every shore might come, and, without hindrance, bear 
away its choicest fruit, but as a land where the permanent foundations of vast 
colonial emj^res might be laid, from which parent states would receive almost un- 
hmited tribute to national wealth and national glory. 

When we contemplate these voyages across the stormy Atlantic, and consider 
the limited geographical knowledge of the navigators, the frailty of their 
vessels^ and equipments, the vast labors and constant privations endured by 
them, and the dangers to which they were continually exposed, we cannot but 
feel the highest respect and reverence for all who were thus engaged in opening 
the treasures of the New World to the advancing nations of Europe. Although 
acquisitiveness, or the desire for worldly possessions, was the chief incentive to 
action, and gave strength to resolution, yet it could not inspire courage to en- 
coimter the great dangers of the deep and the wilderness, nor fill the heart with 
faith in prophecies of success. These sentiments must have been innate ; and 
those who braved the multitude of perils were men of true courage, and their 
faith came from the teachings of the science of theh day. History and Song, 
Painting and Sculpture, have all commemorated their deeds. If Alexander the 
Great was thought worthy of having the granite body of Mount Athos hewn 
into a colossal image of himself, ^ might not Europe and America appropriately 
join in the labor of fashioning some lofty summit of the Alleghanies^ into a huge 
monument to the memory of the Navigators who lifted the veil of forgetfulness 
from the face of the New World ?^ 

1. The first ships were generally of less than one hundred tons hurthen. Two of the vessels of Colum- 
bus were without decks, and the one in which Frobisher sailed was of only twenty-five tons burthen. 

2. Dinocrates, a celebrated architect, offered to cut Mount Athos into a statue of Alexander the Great, 
60 large that it might hold a city in its right hand, and in its left a basin of sufficient capacity to hold 
all the waters that poured from the mountain. 

3. Note 3. p. 14. 

4. Verse 4, p. 25. There has been mnch discussion concerning the claims of certain navigators, to 
the honor of first discovering the continent of America. A Memoir of Sebastian Cabot, illustrated by 
documents from the Rolls, published in London in 1832, appears to prove conclusively that he, and not 
Jiis father, was the navigator who discovered North America. A little work entitled Researches re- 
specting Arnericus Vesjjucius, and his Voyages, prepared by Viscount Santarera, ex-prime minister of 
Portugal, casts just doubts upon the statements of Vespucius, concerning his command on a voyage of 
discovery when, he claims, he discovered South America [verse 14, p. 29] in 1499. He was doubtless 
an olficer under Ojeda ; and it is quite certain that he got possession of the narratives of Ojeda and pub- 
lished them as his own. The most accessible works on American Discoveries, are Irving's Life of Colum- 
bus ; Prescott's Ferdinand and Isabella ; Lives of Cabot and Hudson, in Sparks's American Biography, 
and Histories of the United States by Bancroft and Hildreth. 



Questions. — What was the character of the first voyagers to America, and their ships ? What reverence 
is due to them ? 




SECTION I. 



1. The act of forming a settle- 
ment is not equivalent to the estab- 
lishment of a colony or the found- 
ing of a state. It is the initiatory 
step towards such an end, and may 
or may not exhibit permanent re- 
sults. A colony becomes such only 
when settlements assume perma- 
JOHN SMITH. nency, and organic laws, subservi- 

ent to those of a parent govern- 
ment, are framed for the guidance of the people. It seems proper, therefore, to 
consider the era oi settlements as distinct from that o^ colonial organization. 

2. The period of settlements within the bounds of the thirteen original colonies 
which formed the Confederacy in the War for Independence,' extends from 
1607 to 1733. For fifty years previous to the debarkation [1607] at James- 
town,- fishing stations had been established at various points on the Atlantic 
coast; and at St. Augustine, ^ the Spaniards had kept a sort of military post 



1. Chap, v., Sec. II. 



2. Verse 10, p. 47. 



3. Verse 15, p. 36. 



Questions.— \. What constitutes a colony ? 2. What is the period of settlements in the United States? 



VIRGINIA. 45 

alive. Tet the time of the appearance of the English 'in the James River, is the 
true point from which to date the inception or beginning of our great confeder- 
acy of free States. 

3. Twelve years [1607 to 1619] were spent by English adventurers in efforts 
to plant a permanent settlement in Virginia.^ For seventeen years [1609 to 
1623] Dutch traders were trafificking on the Hudson River, before a permanent 
settlement was estabhshed in New York.2 Fourteen years [1606 to 1620] were 
necessary to effect a permanent settlement in Massachusetts ;3 and for nine 
years [1622 to 1631] adventurers struggled for a foot-hold in New Hampshire.^ 
The Roman Catholics were only one year [1634-5] in laying the foundation of 
the Maryland colony.5 Seven years [1632 to 1639] were employed in effecting 
permanent settlements in Connecticut ;6 eight years [1636 to 1643] in organizing 
colonial government in Rhode Island ;7 and about fifty years [1631 to 1682] 
elapsed from the landing of the Swedes on South River, '^ before Delaware, New 
Jersey, and Pennsylvania, (whose several histories of settlements are inter- 
woven) presented colonial features.^ Almost sixty years [1622 to 1680] passed 
by before the first settlements in the Carolinas became fully-developed colonies;'" 
but Georgia, the youngest of the thirteen states had the foundations of its 
colonial government laid when Oglethorpe, with the first company of settlers, 
began to build Savannah in the winter of 1733." The first permanent settle- 
ment within the bounds of the original colonies, was in 

YmGiNiA. [1607-1619.] 

4. Before the lapse of a century after the discoveries of Columbus [1492],'^ 
a great social and political revolution had been effected in Europe. Commerce, 
hitherto confined to inland seas and along the coasts, was sending its ships 
across oceans. The art of printing had begun its wonderful work ;'3 and, 
through its instrumentality, intelligence had become generally diffused. Mind 
thus acting upon mind in vastly multiplied opportunities, had awakened a great 
moral and intellectual power, whose presence and strength had not been sus- 
pected. The Protestant Reformation'* had weakened the bonds of spiritual 
dominion, and allowed the moral faculties fuller play ; and the shadows of feudal 
institutions, '5 so chilling to individual effort, were rapidly disappearing before 
the rising sun of the new era in the history of the world. 

1. Verse 27, p. 52. 2. Terse 6, p. 53. 3. Verse 12, p. 58. 

4. Verse 2, p. 59. 5. Verse 6, p. 61. 6. Verse 14, p. 65. 

7. Verse 7, p. 67. 8. Verse 4, p. 68. 9. Verse 13, p. 70. 

10. Verse 6, p. 72. 11. Verse 5, p. 74. 12. Chap. II., sec. II. 

13. About the year 1450. Rude printing from engraved blocks was done before that time ; but when 
Peter SchoefFer cast the first metal types, each letter separately, at about 1450, the ait of printing truly 
had birth. John Faust established a printing otBce at Mentz, in 1442. John Guttenburg invented cut 
metal types, and used them in printing a Bible which was commenced in 1445, and finished in 1460. 
The names of these three men are usually associated as the inventors of printing. 

14. Commenced by Wickliffe, in England, in 1360; by Huss, in Bohemia, in 1405; by Luther, in 
Germany, in 1517. From this period until 1562, the movement was general throughout Europe. It was 
an elfort to purge the Christian Church of great impurities, by reforming its doctrine and ritual. The 
Reformers protested against the practices of the Roman Catholic Church, and the title of the move- 
ment was, therefore, the Proteitant Reformation. The name of Protestants was first given to Luther 
and others, in 1529. 

15. The nature of feudal laws may be illustrated by a single example : William, the Norman Con- 
queror of England, divided the land of that country into parts called baroniex, and gave them to certain 
of his favorites, who became masters of the conquered people on their respective estates. For these 
gifts, and certain privileges, the harons, or masters, were to furnish the king with a stipulated amount 
of money, and a stated number of men for soldiers, when required. The peoi^le hud no voice in this mat- 
ter, nor in any public afi"airs, and were made essentially slaves to the barons. Out of this state ot things 
originated the exclusive privileges yet enjoyed by the nobility of Europe. Except in Russia, the people 
have been emancipated from this vassalage, and the ancient forms of feudal power have disappeared. 



Quextionfi. — ^3. Can yon name the time of settlement of each of the thirteen original colonies ? 4. What 
causes had produced a revolution in society in Europe, during a century succeeding the discoveries of 
Columbus ? 



46 SETTLEMENTS. 

5. Freedom of thouglit and action expanded the area of ideas, and gave birth 
to those tolerant principles which lead to brotherhood of feeling. The new im- 
pulse developed nobler motives for human action than the acquisition of wealth 
and power, and these soon engendered healthy schemes for founding industrial 
empires in the New World. Aspirations for civil freedom, awakened by greater 
religious hberty, had begun the work, especially in England, where the jProtest- 
ants were already divided into two distinct parties, called, respectively. Church- 
men and Puritans. The former supported the throne and all monarchic ideas : 
the latter were more republican; and from their pulpits went forth doctrinei 
inimical to kingly power. These religious diflferences had begun to form a basis 
of pohtical parties, and finally became prime elements of colonization. 

6. A long contest between England and France ceased in 1604. Soldiers, an 
active, restless class in England, were deprived of employment, and would soon 
become dangerous to the public peace. While population and general prosperity 
had greatly increased, there was another large class, who, by idleness and dissi- 
pation, had sauandered fortunes, and had become desperate men. The soldiers 
needed employment, either in their own art, or in equally exciting adventures ; 
and the impoverished spendthrifts were ready for any thing which promised 
gain. Such were the men who stood ready to brave ocean perils and the greater 
dangers of the Western World, when such minds as those of Fernando Gorges, 
Bartholomew Gosnold, Chief-Justice Popham, Richard Hakluyt, Captain John 
Smith, and others, devised new schemes for colonization. The weak and timid 
James the First, ^ who desired and maintained peace with other nations during 
his reign, was glad to perceive a new field for restless and adventurous men to go 
to, and he readily granted a hberal patent [April 20, 1606] to the first company 
formed after his accession to the throne, for planting settlements in Yirgmia. 

T. The Enghsh claimed dominion over a belt of territory extending from Cape 
Fear, in North Carohna, to Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and indefinitely westward. 
This was divided into two districts. One extended from the vicinity of New 
York city northward to the present southern boundary of Canada, including the 
whole of New England, and westward of it, and was called North Yirgixia. 
This territory was granted to a company of '•knights, gentlemen and merchants'' 
in the west of England, called the Plymouth Company.- The other district ex- 
tended from the mouth of the Potomac southward to Cape Fear, and was called 
South Yirgixia. It was granted to a company of "noblemen, gentlemen and 
merchants," chiefly residents of London, called the London Company.^ Tho 
intermediate domain of almost two hundred miles, was a dividing fine, so broad 
that disputes about territory could not occur, as neither company was allowed 
to make settlements more than fifty miles beyond its own boundary. 

8. The pohtical character of this first colonial charter, under which a perma- 
nent settlement was made within the territory of the United States, was unfavor- 
able to the best interests of all. The king reserved to himself the right of ap- 
pointing all ofl&cers, and of exercising all executive and legislative power. Tho 



^T ^^T.*^ *i'® ^^^^^ James of Scotlard. of the house of Ptnart, and ?on of Marv, Qneen of Scotlan?. 
12 r ^''■■nley. The Crowns of England and Scotland were united bv his accession to the throne of 
the former kingdom, m March, 1603. 

2 The chief members of the company were Thomas Hanham, Sir John and Raleieh Gilbert (sons of 
Mr Humphrey Gilbert). William Parker, George Popham. Sir John Popham, (Lord Chief Justice of 

Q^ Tk \?"r Fernanfio Gorges. Governor of Plvmouth Fort. 
/.if„ . • f ■ . ™«™^"* *'f "ie comrany were Sir Thomas Gates, Sir George Somers, Richard Haklnvt 
(tue historian), and Edward Maria Wicgfield, who was the first governor of Virginia. 



n^^lT'Tct ^?^ canses produced a religious and political revolution in Eneland favorable to 
colonization^, k \\ hat classes in England needed exciting emplovme^t? Wbo encouraged emigration 
f„1,i7Ik17' ) xi ^'^^^ ^'';- .•^•i"i«'s favorable to emigration ? 7. What teritorv in America did the 
acterof tl i^Trlt o^C^/"' '* ^T;'-*^; **"*? ^^''^ T^""^ '^^ boundaries? 8. What was the political char- 
acter of tho first charter granted for formmg settlements in America ? 



VIRGINIA. 47 

colonists were to pay homage to the sovereign, and a tribute of one-fifth of the 
net products of gold and silver found in Virginia ; yet they possessed no rights 
of self-government. They were to be governed by a council of seven appointed 
by the king, who were allowed to choose a president from among themselves. 
There was also a Supreme Council in England, appointed by the king, who had 
the general supervision of the colonies, under the direction of the monarch. 
That charter was the conception of a narrow mind and despotic temper, and 
proved totally inadequate as a constitution of government for a free people. 

9. The Plymouth Comjmny made the first attempt at settlement, and failed.^ 
The London Govipany sent Captain Christopher Newport with three vessels, and 
one hundred and five emigrants [Dec. 1606], to make a settlement upon Roan- 
oke Island. 2 Among them was Bartholomew Gosnold,^ the projector of the 
expedition. They presented very poor materials for a colony. There was no 
famihj among them, and only "twelve laborers and a few mechanics." The 
remainder were "gentlemen,"'* many of whom were vicious, dissolute men, 
totally unfit for such an enterprise, and quite unworthy to be actors in the glo- 
rious events anticipated by Gosnold and his enlightened associates at home. 

1 0. Newport pursued the old route by the Canaries and the West Indies, and 
did not arrive upon the American coast until April, 1607, when a storm drove 
his vessels into Chesapeake Bay, where he found a good harbor. He named the 
capes at the entrance, Charles and Henry^ in honor of the king's sons. The 
noble river which he soon afterwards entered he called James. Sailing up the 
broad stream about fifty miles, the immigrants landed upon a beautiful shaded 
peninsula,-5 where they chose a site for the capital of the new empire, and called 
it Jamestown. 

11. Disputes had arisen during the long voyage. As the silly king had placed 
the names of the colonial council in a sealed box, with instructions not to open 
it until their arrival in Virginia, there was no competent authority on board to 
restore harmony. Captain Smith,^ who was the most able man among them, 
excited the envy of his companions ; and being charged with a design to mur- 
der the council, usurp government, and proclaim himself king, he was placed in 
confinement. On opening the sealed box, it was discovered that Smith was one 
of the council. He was released from confinement, but excluded from ofiice. 
He demanded a trial upon the absurd charges. The accusation was withdrawn, 
and he took his seat in the council, over which the avaricious Edward Maria 
Wingfield was chosen to preside. 

12. Newport, Smith, and twenty others, ascended the James River to the Falls 
at Richmond, and visited the emperor of the Powhatans,7 whose residence was 
a mile below the foot of the rapids. The title of the Emperor was Powhatan. 
He was a man of great ability, and commanded the reverence of the whole con- 
federation. He was friendly to the English, notwithstanding his people mur- 
mured at their presence ; and the visitors returned to Jamestown much grati- 
fied. 

1. Verse 1, p. 54. 2. Verse 21, p. 38. 3. Verse 13, p. 48. 

4. This name was Riven to wealthy men, who were not engaged in any industrial pursuit, and often 
spent their lives in idleness and dissipation ; a class which, in our day and country, number, happily, 
very few. Labor is worthily honored as more noble than idleness. 

5. This may be called an island, for the marsh which connects it with the main-land is often over- 
flowed. The currents of the river have washed away large portions of tlie original island. 

6. See portrait at the head of this chapter. Smith was one of the most remarkable men of his time. 
He was born in I,incolnshire, England ; and after many adventures in Europe, went to America. He 
died in 1631. He wrote a History of Virginia, <fec. 

7. Verse 10, p. 14. 



QueMionK. — 9. Wliom did the London Company send to make settlements in America? What was 
the character of the settlers? 10. Who commanded the expedition? and what occurred when thev ar- 
rived on the American coast ? 11. What produced trouble on their arrival ? What treatment had Capt. 
John Smith received? 12. What did Smith and others do on their arrival? Who did they visit? 



48 



SETTLEMENTS. 



13. Newport sailed for En.dnnd in June, 1607, for more settlers and pro- 
visions. Tlie little band of emiprrants soon perceived the perils of their situation. 
A larpre portion of their provisions was spoiled during the voyage. They had 
not planted, therefore they could not reap. The neighboring tribes evinced hos- 
tility, and withheld supplies. Poisonous vapor arose from the marshes ; and 
before the close of Summer, one half of the adventurers perished by disease and 
famine. Among the victims was Gosnold. In the midst of their despondency, 
the survivors discovered that president Wingfield was living on choice stores, 
and was preparing to abandon the colony and escape to the West Indies in the 
pinnace' left by Newport. He was deposed. Eatclifle, a weak and wicked 
man, was chosen his successor. He, too, was speedily dismissed ; and the 
settlers, with one consent, wisely turned to Smith as ruler. 

14. All was confusion when Smith became President. He soon restored 
order, and by his courage and energy, inspired the Indians with awe, and com- 
pelled them "to bring him supplies of food. In October, wild game became plen- 
tiful; and at the beginning of November, the abundant harvest of Indian corn 
was gathered by the natives, and they supplied the settlers with all they needed. 
Having established a degree of comfort and prosperity, Smith started, with some 
companions, to explore the surrounding country. He ascended the Chickahomminy 
river fifty miles from its mouth, and then, -^-ith two companions, penetrated the 
vast forest that covered the land. Smith's companions were slain by the natives, 

and he was made a captive. After being exhib- 
ited in several villages, he was taken to Opechan- 
canough,2 the eldest brother of Powhatan, who, 
regarding Smith as a superior being, spared 
his life, and conducted him to the emperor, 
then at Weroworomoco, on the York Eiver.3 
A solemn council decided that the captive 
must die, and Smith was led out to execu- 
tion. His head was placed upon a stone, and 
the hea^y clubs of the executioners were raised 
to crush it. when Pocahontas, a child of '" ten or 
twelve years, "^ the favorite daughter of Pow- 
hatan, rushed from her fathers side, and casting 
herself upon the captive, besought the king to 
spare his life. Powhatan consented, and Smith 
was conducted in safety to Jamestown by a 
guard of twelve men, after an absence of seven 
weeks. 

15. Smith's captivity was a public benefit. He had acquired a knowledge of 
the Indian character, and of the country and its resources, and also had formed 
friendly relations with the sachems and chiefs. Had his companions possessed 
half as much energy and honesty as Smith, aU would have been well. But they 
were idle, improvident, and dissolute. He found everything in disorder on his 
return. Only forty men were living, and a greater portion of them were on the 
point of escaping to the TVest Indies in the pinnace ; but the courage and 
energy of Smith compelled them to remain. 




POCAHONTAS. 



1. A small, light vessel, with yails and oars. 2. Xote 4, p. 77. 

3. At Shelly, nearly opposite the mouth of Queen's Creek, Gloucester Conntv, Virginia 

4. Verse ^H'. p. 51. " ' 



Questionx.—\X What soon occurred to the colonists? 14. What effect did Smith's auihoritr have on 
the oondiuon of the colonists: Relate the adventures of Smi'h and his c. rapanions What did Poca- 
hontas do? 15. What was the effect of Smith's captivity? What continued to be the character of the 
settlers while Smith was absent ? 



VIKGINIA. 49 

16. Early in 1608 Newport arrived with supplies, and one hundred and twenty 
immigrants. These were no better than the first adventurers. Instead of agri- 
culturalists and mechanics, -v^dth famihes, they were idle "gentlemen," "packed 
hither," as Smith said, "by their friends, to escape ill destinies." There were 
also several goldsmiths, the very men least needed in the colony. Some glitter- 
ing earth in the vicinity of Jamestown, ^ was mistaken for gold; and in spite of 
the remonstrances of Smith, the whole industry of the colony was directed to the 
supposed treasure. "There was no talk, no hope, no work, but dig gold, work 
gold, refine gold, load gold." Newport loaded his vessel with the worthless 
earth and returned to England, beheving himself exceedingly rich. Science pro- 
nounced him miserably poor in useful knowledge and well-earned reputation. 

17. Smith remonstrated against idleness, and pleaded for industry, but in vain. 
He implored the settlers to plow and sow, that they might reap and be happy. 
They refused to listen, and he turned from Jamestown with disgust. "With a 
few sensible men, he went to explore the Chesapeake in an open boat. He went 
up the Potomac to the falls above "Washington city. He entered the Patapsco, 
and ate Indian corn on the site of Baltimore. He went up the Susquehannah to 
the beautiful vale of "Wyoming.2 He penetrated the forests even to the territory 
of the Five Nations, ^ and established friendly relations with the dusky tribes. 
"Within three months he travelled three thousand miles. It was one of the most 
wonderful of exploring expeditions, considered in all its aspects, ever recorded 
by the pen of history. The map of the country which Smith constructed on his 
return, is yet in existence in England, and is remarkable for its general accu- 
racy. 

18. Three days after Smith's return [Sept. 10, 1608], he was formally made 
president of the settlement. Newport arrived soon afteru-ard, with seventy im- 
migrants, among whom were two females, the first Enghsh women seen upon 
the James river.* Smith exerted aU his energies to turn the Uttle industry of 
the settlers to agriculture, and succeeded, in a degree. He wrote to the Supreme 
Council' to send over a diflPerent class of men. "I entreat you," he said, "rather 
send but thirty carpenters, husbandmen, gardeners, fishermen, blacksmiths, ma- 
sons, and diggers of trees' roots, well provided, than a thousand such as we 
have." Yet, with all his exertions, idleness and improvidence prevailed. At 
the end of two years from the first landing at Jamestown,^ and when the settle- 
ment numbered two hundred strong men, not more than forty acres were under 
cultivation ; and to the Indians the white people were compelled to look for their 
chief supply of food. 

19. The anticipations of sudden wealth, indulged in by the London Company,''' 
were not realized, and they sought and obtained a new charter [June 2, 1609], 
which gave them more ample privileges. The territory of South "Virginia^ was 
extended northward to the head of the Chesapeake. The Supreme Council was 
vested with power to fill vacancies in its own body, and to appoint a governor 
for "Virginia, whose rule was made absolute. The lives, liberties, and property 
of the settlers were at his disposal. They were compelled to contribute a certain 
share of their earnings to the proprietors, and were mere vassals at will, under a 
petty despotism. 

1. Verse 10, p. 47. 2. Verse 8, p. 211. 3. Verse 2, p. 17. 4. Verse 3, p. 76. 

5. Verse 8, p. 46. 6. Verse 10, p. 47. 7- Verse 7, p. 46. 8. Verse 7, P- 46. 



Qtieffions. — 16. What was the character of the second company of emigrants to Virginia? What chieflj' 
ensaged their attention? How did Newport show his folly? 17. Why did Smith leave Jamestown? 
What places did he visit during an exploring voyage? WTiat was the character of that voyage? 18. 
What happened three days after Smith's return to Jamestown? What did he ask the Council of the 
London Company to do? What was the condition of the colony at the end of two years? 19. Why did 
the London Company ask for a new charter ? What was the character of the second charter ? 

3 



50 SETTLEMENTS. 

, 20, Lord De la "Warr (Delaware), an enlightened peer, was appointed governor 
of Virginia, for life, under the new charter; and soon afterward Newport sailed 
for America [June 12, 1609], with nine ships, and more than five hundred emi- 
grants.' Sir Thomas Gates, the governor's deputy, sailed with Newport, accom- 
panied by Sir George Somers. Gates, Newport, and Somers, were commissioned 
to administer the government until the arrival of Delaware. When near the 
coast, a hurricane dispersed the fleet, and the vessel bearing the commissioners 
was wrecked on one of the Bermuda Islands. Seven vessels of the squadron 
reached the James river in safety. 

21. A greater portion of the new immigrants were more profligate, if possible, 
than the first. They were dissolute scions of wealthy families, and many of them 
came to avoid punishment for crimes at home. They regarded Virginia as a 
paradise for libertines, and believed the colony to be without a head until the 
arrival of the governor or his deputy. Smith, on the contrary, boldly asserted 
his authority as president, and maintained it until an accident in Autumn com- 
pelled him to go to England for surgical aid,^ when he delegated his authority to 
George Percy, brother of the duke of Northumberland. 

22. Released from the control of Smith, the settlers now gave themselves up 
to every irregularity of life. Their ample stock of provisions was rapidly con- 
sumed. The Indians had great respect for Smith, and were friendly. After his 
departure, they openly showed their contempt for the English, withheld supplies 
of provisions, and conceived a plan for the total extermination of the white intru- 
ders. Famine ensued, and the winter and spring of 1610 were long remembered 
as "the starving time." Those who went to the cabins of the Indians were 
murdered, and finally a plan was matured by the natives for striking a blow of 
utter extermination. Again Pocahontas performed the part of a guardian angel.3 
On a dark and stormy night she hastened to Jamestown, revealed the plot, and 
saved the colony by placing them on their guard. 

23. The horrors of destitution increased, and the settlement of five hundred 
persons, when Smith left, was reduced to sixty within six months after his de- 
parture. The commissioners ^ constructed a rude vessel upon the barren island 
where they were wrecked, and in it reached Virginia in June, 1610. Instead 
of being greeted by a flourishing people, they were met by a mere remnant, 
almost famished. Gates determined to sail immediately for Newfoundland, ^ and 
distribute the immigrants among the English fishing vessels there. Jamestown 
was utterly abandoned, and toward Hampton Roads ^ the dejected settlers sailed 
in four pinnaces. Early the next morning white sails greeted their visions. Lord 
Delaware had arrived with provisions and immigrants ; and that very night, 
Jamestown, abandoned to pagans in the morning, was made vocal with hymns 
of thanksgiving to the true God, by the returned settlers. 

24. Lord Delaware was a virtuous and prudent man, and under his adminis- 
tration the colony began to prosper. Failing health compelled him to return to 
England the following spring [March, 1611]; and he left the government in the 

1. Domestic animals were now first taken to Virginia. They consisted of 6 mares, 1 horse, 600 swine, 
a few sheep and goats, and 500 domestic fowls. Two years later 100 cows and some other cattle were 
brought over. 

2. While passing down the James river, in a boat, from the Falls, Smith's bag of powder igrnited, and 
the explosion almost killed him. His wounds were so severe as to require the most skillful surgery. 

3. Verse 14, p. 48. 4. Verse 20, p. 50. 5. Verse 6, p. 34. 6. Note 9, p. 216. 



Questions. — 20. What first took place under (he new charter? Who were appointed commissioners to 
administer the government, and what occurred to them? 21. What was the character of the new body 
of immigrants? How did they regard Virginia? 22. What occurred after Smith sailed for England? 
What danger threatened the English, and how were they saved? 23. What further occurred to tlie Col- 
onists? By what means did the commissioners get to Virginia? In what condition did tbej- find the 
Colonists? What then occurred ? 24. What can you tell of Lord Delaware and his successors in oflSce, 
in Virginia ? What was the character of emigrants who came with Sir Thomas Gates ? 



VIRGINIA. 51 

hands of Percy, Smith's successor, who managed with prudence until the arrival 
of Sir Thomas Dale, with supplies. ^ Dale was an experienced soldier, and, 
assuming the government, he ruled by martial law. Early in September follow- 
ing, Sir Thomas Gates arrived with six well-furnished ships, and three hundred 
immigrants. A large portion of them were sober, industrious men, and their 
arrival gave great joy to the four hundred colonists at Jamestown. Gates 
assumed the functions of governor, and Dale went up the river to plant new set- 
tlements at the mouth of the Appomattox and near the Falls.2 

25. A wise change in the domestic policy was now made. Hitherto the land 
had been worked in common, and the product of labor was deposited in public 
storehouses, for the good of the community. The industrious created food for 
the indolent, and an incentive to efibrt was wanting. It was found in the 
assignment of a few acres of land to each man, to be cultivated for his own pri- 
vate benefit. This regulation gave a powerful impulse to industry. Larger 
assignments were made, and soon the community system was abandoned, and 
industry on private account created an ample supply of food for all.^ 

26. The London Company^ obtained a third charter in 1612 [March 22], by 
which the control of the king was annulled. The Supreme Council was abol- 
ished, and the whole company, sitting as a democratic assembly, elected the 
officers, and ordained the laws, for the colony. Yet no political privilege was 
granted to the settlers. They had no voice in the choice of rulers and the enact- 
ment of laws. But they were contented; and at the beginnhig of 1613 there 
were a thousand Englishmen in Virginia. 

27. At about this time an event occurred which proved of permanent benefit 
to the settlement. Powhatan had continued to manifest hostile feelings ever 
since the departure of Smith. Under pretence of extorting advantageous terms 
of peace from the Indian king, Captain Argall (a sort of buccaneer),^ at the 
head of a foraging party, stole Pocahontas, and carried her on board his vessel. 
A mutual attachment grew up between the maiden and John Rolfe, a young 
Englishman of good family, before she was released. He instructed her in let- 
ters and rehgion ; and, with the consent of Powhatan, she received the rite of 
Christian baptism, and became the wife of Rolfe in April, 1613. This union 
brought peace, and Powhatan was ever afterward the friend of the English. 

28. The settlement now prospered remarkably, yet the elements of a perma- 
nent state were wanting. There were no families in Virginia, and all the 
settlers indulged in anticipations of returning to England. Gates went home 
in March, 1614, leaving the administration of government with Sir Thomas 
Dale, who ruled with wisdom and energy for about two years, and then de- 
parted, after appointing George Yeardley deputy-governor. During Yeardley's 
administration, the culture of the tobacco plant ^ was promoted, and so rapidly 

1. Delaware afterward sailed for Virginia, to resume the reins of government, but died on the voyage. 

2. Near the present City Point, and Richmond. 

3. A similar result was seen in the operations of the Plymouth colony. See verse 5, p. 85. 

4. Verse 7, p. 46. 5. Note 8, p. 41. 

6. This plant, yet very extensively cultivated in Virginia and adjoining States, was first discovered 
by Sir Francis Drake, near Tabaco, in Yucatan : hence its name. Drake and Raleigh first introdu^rt 
it into England. King James conceived a great hatred of it, and wrote a treatise against its use. He 
forbade its cultivation in England, but could not prevent its importation from Virginia. It became a 
very profitable article of commerce, and the streets of Jamestown were planted with it. Other agricul- 
tural productions were neglected, and while cargoes of tobacco were preparing for England, the neces- 
saries of life were wanting. The money value of tobacco was about 66 cents a pound. 



Questions. — 25. Wliat change took place in the domestic policy of the settlement? 26. Wliat was the 
character of the third charter obtained by the London Company ? What was the condilion and number 
of the settlers in 1613? 27. What event favorable to the settlers now occurred? 28. What clement of a 
permanent State was yet wanting ? What kind of industry was encouraged by Governor Yeardley, and 
what was the result ? 



52 SETTLEMENTS. 

did it gain in favor, that it soon became not only the principal article of export, 
but the currency of the colony. ' 

29. ArgaU, the buccaneer,- was appointed deputy-governor in 161 Y. He was 
a despot in feelings and practice, and soon disgusted the people. He was suc- 
ceeded by Yeardley, who was appointed governor in 1619 ; and now dawned 
the natal morning of Virginia as a Republican State. Yeardley abolished mar- 
tial law, released the planters from feudal service to the colony, ^ and established 
representative government.^ The settlement was divided into eleven boroughs, 
and two representatives, called burgesses, were chosen by the people for each. 
These, with the governor and council, constituted the colonial government. 
The burgesses were allowed to debate all matters pertaining to the good of the 
colony, but their enactments were not legal until sanctioned by the company in 
England. 

30. On the 28th of June, 1619, the first representative assembly ever con- 
vened in America^ met at Jamestown. Then and there, the foundations of the 
Virginia commonwealth were laid. The people now began to regard Virginia 
as their home, and " fell to building houses and planting corn," Within two 
years afterward, one hundred and fifty reputable young women were sent over 
to becomes wives to the planters.' The tribe of gold-seekers and "gentleman" 
was extinct, for "it was not the will of God that the new State should be 
formed of such material ; that such men should be the fathers of a progeny born 
on the American soil, who were one day to assert American liberty by their 
eloquence, and defend it by their valor. "^ 



SECTION II. 

NEW- YORK. [1609-1623.] 

1. On his return to England [Nov. 1609], Henry Hudson forwarded to his 
employers in Amsterdam,''' a brilliant account of his discoveries in America. 
Jealous of the maritime enterprise and growing power of the Dutch, the British 
king would not allow Hudson to go to Holland, fearing he might be employed 
in making further discoveries, or in planting settlements in America. This nar- 
row and selfish policy of James was of no avail, for the ocean pathway to new 
and fertile regions, once opened, could easily be traversed by inferior navigators. 

2. In 1610, some wealthy merchants of Amsterdam, directors of the Dutch 
East India Company,** sent a ship from the Texel, laden with merchandise, ta 
traffic with the Indians upon the Mauritius,^ as the present Hudson river was 
then called. Hudson's ship (the Half-Moon '") was also sent hither the same 
year on a like errand; and for three years afterward, private enterprise dis- 
patched many vessels from Holland, to traffic for furs and peltries. Among 
other commanders came the bold Adrian Block, the first navigator of the dan- 

1. Note 6, p. 51. 2: Note 8, p. 14. 3. Verse 10, p. 49. 

4. Yeardley found the people possessed with an intense desire for that freedom which the English 
constitntion gave to every babject of the realm, and it was impossible to reconcile that feeling with the 
exercise of tlie arbitrary power which had hitherto prevailed. He, therefore, framed a plan for a popu- 
lar assembly as similar to the English parliament as circumstances would allow. 

5. Verse 3, p. 76. 6. Bancroft. 7. Verse 31, p. 42. 

8. Note 5, p. 42. 

9. So named from Prince Manrice, of Nassau. 10. Verse 31, p. 42. 



Que^tiom. — 26. What was the character of Argall? What did Yeardley do for the benefit of the set- 
tlers? 27. What important events occurred in Virginia in 1619? What other important event occurred 
Boon atterward? What appeared to be the designs of Providence? 



NEW YOEK. 53 

gerous strait in the East river called Hell-Gate. Block's vessel was accidentally 
burned in the autumn of 1613, when he and his companions erected some rude 
huts for shelter, near the site of Bowling Green, in New York. These huts 
formed the germ of our great commercial metropolis. During the winter they 
constructed a vessel from the fine timber which grew upon Manhattan Island, 
and early in the spring sailed up Long Island Sound on a voyage of discovery 
which extended to Nahant. 

3. Dutch trading vessels now frequently ascended the Mauritius, and a brisk 
trade was opened with the Indian tribes, almost two hundred miles from the 
ocean. The traders built a fort and storehouse upon a little island just below 
Albany [1614], which they called Fort Nassau; and nine years later, Fort 
Orange was erected on the site of Albany. There is a doubt about a fort being 
erected on the southern extremity of Manhattan island, at this time. 

4. In the autumn of 1614 [October 1 1], a special charter was granted to a com- 
pany of Amsterdam merchants, giving them the monopoly of trade in the New 
World, from the latitude of Cape May, to that of Nova Scotia, for three years. 
The territory was named New Netherland, in the charter, which title it held 
until it became an English province in 1664.1 Notwithstanding it was included 
in the grant of James to the Plymouth company,2no territorial jurisdiction being 
claimed, and no English settlements having been made northward of Richmond, 
in Virginia, the Dutch were not disturbed in their traffic. The popular story, 
that Argall entered the Bay of New York on his return from Acadie in 1613,3 
and made the Dutch traders promptly surrender the place to the EngUsh crown, 
seems unsusceptible of proof* 

5. The trade in furs and peltries became very lucrative, and the company 
made an unsuccessful application for a renewal of their charter. More extensive 
operations were in contemplation; and in 1621, [June 3], the States General of 
Holland^ incorporated the Dutch West India Company, and invested it with 
almost regal powers, for planting settlements in America from Cape Horn to New- 
foundland ; and in Africa, between the Cape of Good Hope and the Tropic of 
Cancer. The special object of its enterprise was New Netherland, and especially 
the region of the Mauritius.^ The company was not completely organized until 
the spring of 1623, when it commenced operations with vigor. 

6. The first effort put forth by the company, was to plant a permanent colony, 
and thus establish a plausible pretext for territorial juris- 
diction, for now the English had built rude cabins on the 
shores of Massachusetts Bay.' In April [1623], thirty 
families, chiefly Walloons (French Protestants who had 
fled to Holland), arrived, under the charge of Cornelius 
Jacobsen May, who was sent to reside in New Nether- 
land, as first director, or governor. Eight of the families 
went up the Mauritius or Hudson river, and settled at 
Albany ; the remainder chose their place of abode across 
the chaniicl of the East river, and settled upon lands now 
covered by the eastern portion of Brooklyn, and the Navy land. 
Yard.8 Then were planted the fruitful seeds of a Dutch 

1. Verse 12, p. 107. 2. Verse 7, p. 46. 3 . Note 8, p. 41. 

4. See Broadhead's History of the State of New York. Appendix C. 

5. Note p. 7, 42. 6. Verse 2, p. 52. 

7. Verse 12, p. 58. 

8. The Gvst white child born in New Netherland was Sarah Rapelje, daughter of one of the Walloon 
settlers. Her birth occurred on the 7th of June, 1625. She has a number of descendants on Long Island. 

Questions. — .3. What did Dutch traders now do ? 4. How was a new territory formed, and what was 
its name? What is said of Argall, and of the fiuiet enjoyed by the Dutch? 5. What did the govern- 
ment of Holland do ? 6. What did the Dutch West India, Company do ? What emigrants went to New 
Netherland, and where did they settle? 




54 SETTLEMENTS. 

Colony — then were laid the foundations of the future commonwealth of New 
York.' The territory was erected into a province and the armorial distinction 
of a count was granted. 2 



SECTION III. 

MASSACHUSETTS. [1606-1620.] 

1. The Plymouth Company^ despatched an agent to examine North Vir- 
ginia, soon after obtaining their charter [August 22 1606]. His vessel was 
captured by a Spanish cruiser. Another, commanded by Martin Pring, was sent, 
and reached America. Pring confirmed the accounts of Goswold and others,-* con- 
cerning the beauty and fertility of the New England region. The following 
year [1607], George PophamS came, with one hundred immigrants, and landing at 
the mouth of the Sagadahoc or Kennebeck [August 21], they erected a small 
stockade, a store house, and a few huts. All but forty-five returned to England 
in the vessels; those remained, and named their settlement St. George. A 
terrible winter ensued. Fire consumed their store-house and some of their pro- 
visions, and the keen frosts and deep snows looked the waters and the forests 
against the fisherman and hunter. Famine menaced them, but relief came before 
any were made victims. Of all the company, only Popham, their president, 
died. Lacking courage to brave the perils of the wilderness, the settlement was 
abandoned, and the immigrants went back to England [1608] at the very time 
when the Frenchmen, who were to build Quebec,^ were upon the ocean. 
Traffic with the Indian tribes was continued, but settlements were not again at- 
tempted for several years.'' 

2. The interior of the country, now called New England, was an unknown 
land, until Capt. John Smith, with the mind of a philosopher and the courage 
of a hero, came [1614] and explored, not only the coasts, but the rivers which 
penetrated the wilderness. Only himself and four London merchants had an 
interest in the expedition, which proved highly successful not only in dis- 
coveries, but in trade. With only eight men, Smith examined the region be- 
tween Cape Cod and the Penobscot, constructed a map of the country, and after 
an absence of less than seven months, he returned to England, and laid a report 
before prince Charles, the heir apparent to the throne. The prince, delighted 
with the whole account, confirmed the title which Smith had given to the terri- 
tory delineated on the map, and it was named New England. Crime, as 

1. Verse 1, p. 103. 

2. Several hundred j'cars ago, there were large districts of country in England and on the continent, 
governed by Earls, who were subject to the crown, however. These districts were called counties, and 
the name is still retained, even in the United States, and indicates certain judicial and other jurisdiction. 
New Neiherland was constituted a county of Holland, having all the individual privileges appertaining 
to an earldom, or separate government. The armorial distinction of an earl, or count, was a kind of cap, 
called coronet, seen over the shield in the engraved representation, p. 53, of the seal of New Netherland. 
The figure of a beaver, on the shield, is emblematic of the Hudson river regions, where they abounded, 
and of one of the grand objects of settlement there, the trade in furs. 

3. Verse 7, p. 46. 4. Verse 2S, p. 41. 6. Note 2. p. 46. 

6. Verse 10. p. 35. 

7. The celebrated Lord Bacon and others fitted out an expedition to Newfoundland in 1610, but it was 
unsuccessful. 



Questions. — 1. What did the Ph/mouth Company attempt? Wliat circumstances attended their first 
efforts at settlement f 2. What did Captain Smith accomplish in 1614 ? How came our Eastern States 
to be called New England ? What outrage did one of Smith's commanders perpetrate ? 



MASSACHUSETTS. 55 

usual, dimmed the lustre of the discovery. Hunt, commander of one of the 
vessels of tlie expedition, kidnapped twenty seven of the Indians, with Squanto,' 
their chief^ as soon as Smith had departed, took them to Spain and sold some of 
them into slavery.' And now, at various points from Florida to Newfoundland, 
men-stealers of different nations, had planted the seeds of hatred and distrust,^ 
whose fruits, in after years, were wars, and complicated troubles. 

3. The following year, the Plymouth company employed Smith, to make 
further explorations in America and to plant a colony. He sailed in the Spring 
[1GI5], but was driven back by a tempest. He sailed again on the 4th of July. 
His crew became mutinous, and finally his vessel was captured by a French 
pirate, and they were all taken to France. Smith escaped to England, in an 
0])en boat, and arousing the sluggish energies of the Plymouth company and 
others, they planned vast schemes of colonization, and he was made admiral for 
life. Eager for gains, some of the members, joining with others, applied for a 
new charter. It was withheld for a long time. Finally, the king granted a 
charter [November 3, 1620] to forty of the wealthiest and most powerful men in 
the realm, who assumed the corporate title of The Council of Plymouth, 
and superseded the original Plymouth Company.^ The vast domain of more 
than a million of square miles, lying between the 40th and 48th degree of north 
latitude, and westward to the South Sea,^ was conveyed to them, as absolute 
owners of the soil. It was the finest portion of the continent, and now embraces 
the most flourishing States and Territories of our confederacy. 

4. This vast monopoly was unpropitious, in all its elements, to the founding 
of an empire. It was not the will of God that mere speculators and mercenary 
adventurers like these should people this broad land. The same year when that 
great commercial monopoly was formed [1620], a company of devout men and 
women in Holland, who had been driven from England by a persecuting govern- 
ment, came to the wilderness of the New World, not to seek gold and return, 
but to erect a tabernacle, where they might worship the Great God in honest 
simplicity and freedom, and to plant in the wilderness the foundation of a com- 
Lioawealth, based upon truth and justice. Who were they? Let History 
answer. 

5. Because the pope of Rome would not sanction one of the most flagrant of 
his social crimes, Henry the Eighth of England defied the authority of the head 
of the Church,'' and by the Act of Siqrremacy,^ Parliament also cast off tlie papal 
yoke. The people were not benefited, for the king was pope of Great Britain, 
and they were his slaves. They enjoyed no religious freedom. Heresy was a 
high crime ; and expressions of freedom of thought and opinion were not toler- 
ated. The doctrines and rituals of the Romish church were enforced, while the 
authority of the pope was denied. Tlie people discovered that in exchanging 
spiritual masters, they had gained nothing, except that the thunders of excom- 

1. Verse 1, p. 84. 

2. When some benevolent friars heard of Hunt's intentions, they took all of the Indians not yet sold, 
to instruct them as missionaries. Among them was Sciuanto. 

3. Verse 20, p. 3(), also Verse ; note 2, p. M \ verse 8, p. 35. 4. Verse 7, p. 46. 5. Verse 17, p. 29. 

6. The vicious king asked pope Julius III. to divorce him from his queen, Catherine of Arragon, in 
order that he might marry the beautiful Anne Boleyn. The Pope properly refused to give his sanc- 
tion to the crime ; and the licentious monarch, who had been so much of a friend of the Roman pontiff 
as to receive the title oi Defender of the Faith, quarrelled with the pope, and professed Protestantism. 
[Note 14, p. 45.] 

7. An Act of Parliament [1534], which declared the king of England the superior head of the church 
in that realm, and made Protestantism the established religion of England. 



Questions.—^. What did Smith attempt, and what befell him? What change in the Plymouth Com- 
pany was effected? 4. What was the character of the new Company? What other people came to 
America? 5. Why did king Henry profess Protestantism? What was the condition of his people, and 
what had they gained ? 




56 SETTLEMENTS. 

munication^ had lost their efifect upon the pubhc mind, and thus one step to- 
ward emancipation was gained. 

6. Henry's son, Edward, estabhshed a more liberal Pro- 
testantism in England [1574], and soon the followers of 
Luther and Calvin2 drew the tangible line of doctrinal differ- 
ence which existed between them. The former retained or 
allowed many of the ceremonials of the church of Kome ; 
the latter were more austere, and demanded extreme sim- 
phcity in worship, and great purity of life. For this they 
were called Puritans, in derision; a name which soon 
became honorable. When Parliament established a liturgy 
for the church, the Puritans refused conformity, for they 
acknowledged no authority but the Bible in matters of 
religion. They became a distinct and influential party in 
the State [1550], and were specially commended by the 
continental reformers. 

7. In 1553, the persecuting queen Mary3 re-established 
Romanism, and Lutherans and Calvinists were equally in 

A PURITAN perU. The fires of persecution were Ughted, and the first 

Protestant martyrs were consumed at the stake.^ She 
was succeeded by her half-sister, Elizabeth [1558], a professed Protestant, and 
the flames were extinguished. EHzabeth was no Puritan. She endeavored to 
reconcile the magnificent rituals of the Romish Church with the simple requisi- 
tions of the gospel. There was no affinity, and trouble ensued. The Puritans, 
struggling for power, asserted, in all its grandeur, the doctrine of private judg- 
ment in religious matters, and of untrammelled religious liberty. From this 
high position, it was but a step to the broad rock of civil freedom. The Puri- 
tan pulpits became the tribunes of the common people, and the preachers often 
promulgated the doctrine, that the sovereign was amenable to public opinion ichen 
fairly exp>ressed. The jealousy and the fears of the queen were aroused ; and 
after several years of effort, the Thirty-Nine Articles of belief, which constitute the 
rule of faith in the church of England, were confirmed [1571] by an Act of 
Parliament. 

8. In 1583 a court of high commission was established, for the detection and 
punishment of Non-Conformists,^ with powers almost as absolute as the Roman 
Inquisition. Persecution now began its work in earnest, and continued active 
for twenty years. The Puritans looked to the accession of James of Scotland 
[1604]'^ with hope, but were disappointed. "When fairly seated on the English 
throne, he said of them, " I will make them conform, or I will harrie them out 
of the land." There were then more than thirty thousand of them in England. 
During the first year of James's reign, three hundred of their ministers were 

1. The pope of Rome assumes the right to excommunicate, or expel from Christian communion, 
■whomsoever he pleases. In former times, even kings were not exempt. An excommunicated person 
lost social caste ; and for centuries this was an iron rod in the hand of ecclesiastics to keep the people in 
submission to spiritual authority. Happily for mankind, this species of despotism has lost its power, 
and commands the obedience of only the ignorant and enslaved. 

2. See Xote 14, p. 45. Calvin was the leading French Reformer. 

3. Daughter of Henry the Eighth, and a bigoted persecutor of Protestants. 

4. John Rogers, a pious minister, and John Hooper, Bishop of Gloucester. 

5. This was the title of all those Protestants in England who refused to conform to the doctrines and 
ceremonials of the established church. This name was first given in 1572. Ninety years afterward 
[1662], 2,000 ministers of the established church, unwilling to subscribe to the Thirty-Nine Articles, 
seceded, and were called Dissenters ; a name yet applied to all British Protestants who aie not attached 
to the church of England. 6. See Note 1, p. 46. 

Questions. — 6. What was the origin of the name of Puritan f What was their character and fhoir 
position? 7. What persecutions occurred? What did queen Elizabeth attempt? What was the result? 
8. For what purpose was a commission appointed? How were the Puritans disappointed, and treated? 
What s'.ruggle was concluded? 



MASSACHUSETTS. 



57 



silenced, imprisoned or exiled. The long struggle of the established church 
with the Roman Cathohcs on one hand, and the Puritans on the other, was now 
decided. It had been a struggle of three quarters of a century, not so much 
for toleration as for supremacy; and the church of England was the final victor. 

9. Among the devout men who fled from England, was the reverend John 
Robinson, pastor of a flock gathered in the northern counties. Informed that 
there was "freedom of religion for all men in Holland," he fled thither, with his 
people [1608], and established a church at Leyden, They were soon joined by 
others from their native country. Their purity of life and lofty independence 
commanded the admiration of the Dutch ; and their loyalty to the country from 
which they had been driven, v/as respected as a noble virtue. 

10. Charmed hj the narratives of the Dutch voyagers to America, the Puri- 
tans, who felt that they were only Pilgrims, resolved to go there, far away 
from persecutions, where they might estabhsh an English colony with religious 
freedom for its basis. A deputation' went to England [1617], and through the 
influence of powerful friends,'^ obtained the consent of the Plymouth Company3 
to settle in North Virginia, 4 and also a promise from the king that he would 
wink at their heresy, and let them alone in their new home. They asked no 
more. Some London merchants formed a partnership with them, and furnished 
capital for the expedition.^ Captain Smith 

offered his services, but on account of his 
aristocratic notions, they w^ere declined. 
Two ships {SjjeediveU and May-Flower) were 
purchased and furnished, ^ and in the sum- 
mer of 1620, a portion of the Pilgrims in 
Holland — "the youngest and strongest" — 
embarked from Delft-Haven for England.^ 
Robinson and the larger portion of his flock 
remained at Leyden till a more convenient 
season,^ and elder Brewster accompanied 
the voyagers as their spiritual guide. 

11. The two ships left Southampton, in 
England, on the 5th of August, 1620, The 
courage of the captain and company of the 
Speedwell failed, and the vessels put back to 
port. The sails of the May Flower were again spread, in the harbor of Plymouth, 
on the 6th of September, and forty-one men, most of them with families^ (one 




MAY-FLOWER. 



1. John Carver and Robert Cushman. 

2. Sir Edward Sandys [verse 3, p. 76.] was one of their chief advocates in England. 

3. Verse 7, p. 46. 4. Verse 7, p. 46. 

5. The services of each emigrant were valued as a capital often pounds, and belonged to the company. 
All profits were to be reserved till the end of seven years, when all the lands, houses, and every produc- 
tion of their joint industry was to be valued, and the amount divided among the shareholders, according 
to their respective interests. This was a community of interest, similar, in character, to those which 
have been proposed and attempted in our day, under the respective titles of Communism, Fouiierism, 
and Socialism. It failed to accomplish its intended purpose, and was abandoned. 

6. The Speedicell was a vessel of 60 tons : the May Flouer of 180 tons. 

7. See head of Chapter IV., p. 75. That is a copy of Weir's picture of The Embarhation of the Pil- 
grims, in the Rotunda of the Federal capitol. 

8. Robinson was never permitted to see America Notes 8, and 10, p. 85. 

9. The following are their names : — John Carver, William Bradford, Edward Winslow, William 
Brewster, Isaac Allerton, Captain Miles Standish, John Alden, Samuel Fuller, Christopher :Martin, 
William Mullins, William White, Richard Warren, John Rowland, Stephen Hopkins, Edward Tilly, 
John Tilly, Peter Brown, Richard Britteridge, Ceorge Soule, Richard Clark, Richard Gardiner, Francis 
(Jook, Thomas Rogers, Thomas Tinker, John Ridgdale, Edward Fuller, John Turner, Francis Eaton, 
James Chilton, John Crackston, John Billington, Moses Fletcher, John Goodman, Degory Priest, 
Thomas Williams, Gilbert Winslow, Edward Margeson, John Allerton, Thomas English, Edward 



Questions. — ^Wlio fled from England ? and whither did they go ? How were they esteemed abroad T 
10. What did the Puritans resolve to do? What did they accomplish? 11. What occurred after the, 
first departure from England until their arrival in America ? 

3* 



58 SETTLEMENTS. 

hundred and one in all) — the winnowed remnaiit of the Pilgrims who left 
Delft-Haven — crossed the stormy Atlantic. These were they who came 
to the New World to enjoy liberty of conscience and freedom of action, 
and to la}^, broad and deep, a portion of the foundations of our happy Re- 
public. 

12. After a boisterous passage of sixty-three days, the May Flower anchored 
within Cape Cod.i Before proceeding to the shore, the Pilgrims agreed upon a 
form of government, and committed it to writing.^ To that first constitution of 
government, ever suljscribed by a whole people, the forty-one men affixed their 
names, and then elected John Carver to be their governor.3 in the cabin of 
the May Flower the first republican government in America was solemnly 
inaugurated. That vessel was truly the cradle of liberty in America, rocked on 
the free waves of the ocean. 

13. After many hardships, exploring parties ^ selected a place for landing, and 
on the 22d day of December, 1622, the Pilgrim Fathers first set foot upon a 
bare rock on the bleak coast of Massachusetts Bay, while all around, the earth 

was covered with deep snow.^ They called the landing 
place New Plymouth, and there a flourishing village is now 
spread out.^ Dreary, indeed, was the prospect before them. 
Exposure and privations had prostrated one half of the men 
before the first blow of the axe had been struck to build a 
habitation. Faith and hope nerved the arms of the healthy, 
and they began to build. One by one perished. The gov- 
ernor and his wife died in April [Ap. 3, 1621] ; and on the 
first of that month, forty-six of the one hundred emigrants 
were in their graves. Nineteen of these were signers to the 
GOV. CARTER'S CHAIR.7 Coustitution. At onB time only seven men were capable 

I)otey, Edward Leister. Howland was Carver's servant ; Soule was Winslow's servant ; and Dotey 
and Leister were servants of Hopkins. 

1. The foolish statement has often been made, that the Pilgrims intended to land at Manhattan 
Island (New York), but the commander of the May-Flower, having been bribed by the Dutch to do sck 
landed them farther east beyond the Dutch possessions. Coppin, the pilot, had been on the coast of 
New England before, and, in navigating the May-F lower, he only followed his old track. The story is a 
fable. 

2. The following is a copy of the instrument : "In the name of God, Amen, We whose names are 
underwritten, the loval subjects of our dread sovereign Lord, King James, by the grace of God, of 
Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. Having undertaken, for the glory 
of God and the advancement of the Christian faith, and honor of our king and country, a voyage to 
plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia ; do, by these presents, solemnly and mutually, 
in the presence of God and of one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body 
politic, for our better ordering and preservation, and furtherance of the ends aforesaid ; and by virtue 
liereof, to enact, constitute, and frame just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, and offices 
from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the colony ; 
unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In witness whereof we have hereto sub- 
scribed our names, at Cape Cod, the eleventh of November, in the year of the reign of our sovereign 
Lord, King James of England, France, and Ireland, the Eighteenth, and of Scotland the Fifty-foui-th. 
Anno Domini, 1620. 

3. John Carver was born in England, went with Robinson to Holland, and on the third of April, 1521, 
while Governor of the Plymouth colony, he died. 

4. Their leader was Miles Standish, a brave soldier, who had served in the Netherlands. He was very 
active in the colony as military commander-in-chief, in both fighting and treating with the Indians, and 
is called " The Hero of New England." He was a magistrate many years, and died at Duxbury, Mass., 
in 1656. 

5. While the explorers were searching for a landing place, the wife of William White, a bride but a 
short time before leaving Holland, gave birth to a son, "the first F^nglishman born in New England." 
They named him Peregrine, and the cradle in which he was rocked is yet preserved. He died at Marsh- 
field in 1704. 

6. " Plvmouth Rock" is fa.nous. It is now [1854] in two pieces. One part remains in its origmal po- 
sition at Hedge's Wharf, Plymouth ; the other, is in the centre of the town, surrounded by an iron rail- 
ing. It was dragged thither in 1774, by twenty yoke of oxen, and over it the Whigs [Note 3, p. 171-] 
erected a liberty pole. 

7. This was the thro7ie upon which sat the first Christian monarch of New England. Governor Carver 




QveMionn. — 12. What did the Pilgrims do before landing? What made the May-Flower remarkable? 
13. Where did the Pilgrims land ? What then occurred to them? What had happened to the neighbor- 
ing Indian tribee ? How were the Pilgrima relieved from want and distress ? 



NEW HAMPSHIRE. 69 

of assisting the sick. Fortunately the neighboring tribes, weakened by a pesti- 
lence/ did not molest them. Spring and summer came. Game became plenty 
in the forest, and they caught many fishes from the waters. They sowed and 
reaped, and soon friends from England joined them.'^ The settlement, begun 
with so much sorrow and suffering, became permanent, and then and there the 
foundations of the commonwealth of Massachusetts were laid. 



**»♦»» 



SECTION IV. 

NEW HAMPSHIRE. [1622-1680] 

1. Sir Ferdinand Gorges and John Mason (the latter, secretary to the Plymouth 
Council for New P]ngland3) obtained a grant of land [1622], extending from the 
Merrimac to the Kennebec, and inland to the St. Lawrence. They named the 
territory Laconia. The same year a colony of fishermen, under David Thomp- 
son, seated themselves at Little Harbor, on the Piscataqua river, just below 
Portsmouth. Another party, under two brothers named Hilton, London fish- 
mongers, commenced a settlement [1623] a few miles above, at Dover; but 
they were only fishing stations, and did not flourish. 

2. In 1629 the Rev. Mr. Wheelwright^ purchased from the Indians the wil- 
derness between the Merrimac and the Piscataqua, and founded Exeter. The 
same year Mason obtained from Gorges exclusive ownership of that same por- 
tion of Laconia. He named the domain New Hampshire,"' and in 1631 built a 
house upon the site of Portsmouth, the name which he gave to the spot. Other 
settlements upon the Piscataqua, and along the present coast of Maine, as far as 
Portland, were attempted. At the latter place a company had a grant of land 
forty miles square, and formed an agricultural settlement [1631] called Ligonia.^ 
Pemaquid Point was another settlement, which remained an independent com- 
munity for almost forty years. Trading houses were estabhshed as far east as 

was at the head of a new State, and, as chief magistrate, held the same relative position as king James 
of England, whose seat was richly ornamented and covered with a canopy of silk and gold. 
1. Verse 1, p. 84. 2. Verse 3, p. 84. 

3. Verse 3, p. 55. 

4. Mr. Wheelwright was a brother-in-law of Mrs. Anne Hutchinson, who was banished from the Mas- 
sachusetts colony on a charge of sedition. Verse 12, p. 88. 

5. Mason had been governor of Portsmouth, in Hampshire County, Eng., and these names were given 
in memory of his former residence. 

6. Tlie people of these eastern settlements which formed the basis of the present commonwealth of 
Maine, did not like the government attempted to be established by the proprietor, and, taking political 
power into their own hands, placed themselves under the jurisdiction of Massachusetts in 1(552. The 
Territory was erected into a county, and called Yorkshire. In lG21,king James, as sovereign of Scot- 
land, placed the Scottish .seal to a charter granting to Sir William Alexander, afterward [1633] Earl of 
Stirling, the whole territory eastward of the State of Maine, under the title of Nova Scotia, or New Scot- 
land. The French had already occupied places along the coast, and called the country Acadie. The 
Scotch proprietor never attempted settlements, either in this territory or in Canada, which Charles the 
First had granted to him, and the whole country passed into the hands of the French, by treaty. The 
Earl died in 1640, and all connection of his family with Nova Scotia ceased. His title was held after- 
ward by four successors, the last of whom died in 1739. In 1759 William Alexander (General Lord Stir- 
ling during our War for Independence) made an unsuccessful claim to the title. The next claimant was 
Alexander Humphrey, who commenced operations in the Scottish courts in 1815, and by forgeries and 
frauds was partially successful. The whole was exposed in 1833. Humphrey was in this country in 
1853, pressing his claims to the monopoly of the Eastern Fisheries, by virtue of the grants of Kings 
James and Charles more than 200 years ago ! 



Questiom. — 1. What settlements were made northward and eastward of Massachusetts? 2. What ef- 
forts at settlement occurred in 1629? What was the origin of New Hampshire? What settlements were 
made in Maine? Wliat occurred to trading posts there? 



60 SETTLEMENTS. 

Machias, but they were broken up by the French, and the western limits of Aca- 
die • were fixed at Pemaquid Point, about half way from the Penobscot to the 
Kennebec. 

3. In 1641 the several feeble and scattered settlements in New Ham.pshire 
formed a coalition with the flourishing Massachusetts colony, and remained de- 
pendencies of that proAonce until 1680, when they were separated by order of 
the king, and New Hampshire became a royal province. Its first government 
consisted of a governor and council appointed by the king, and a house of repre- 
sentatives elected by the people. Then was founded the commonwealth of New 
Hampshire. 



SECTION V. 

MARYLAND. [1634.] 

1. Maryland was first settled by persecuted Roman Catholics from England 
and Ireland. While king James worried the Puritans on one hand, for non- 
conformity, 2 the Roman Cathohcs, at the other end of the religious scale, were 
subjected to even more severe penalties. As the Puritans increased in numbers 
and influence, their cry against the Roman Cathohcs grew louder and fiercer, 
and while defending themselves from persecution with one hand, they were 
inflicting as severe a lash upon the Romanists with the other. Thus subjected 
to two-fold opposition, the condition of the Roman Catholics became deplorable, 
and, in common with other sufferers for opinion's sake, their eyes were turned 
toward free America. 

2. Among the most influential professors of Catholicism was George Calvert, 
an active member of the London Company, 3 and Secretary of State at the time 
when the Pilgrims ^ were preparing to emigrate to America. He was so much 
more loyal in action to his sovereign than to his faith, that he did not lose the 
king's favor, although frankly professing to be a Roman Catholic ; and for his 
services he was created an Irish peer [1621], with the title of Lord Baltimore. 
He also obtained from James a grant [1622] to plant a Roman Cathohc colony 
on a portion of Newfoundland. He called the territory Avalon, but his col- 
ony was not successful. The barren soil, and French aggressors from Acadie, 
were too much for their industry and courage, and the settlement was aban- 
doned. 

3. Lord Baltimore now went to Virginia [1628], with a ^^ew of establishing a 
colony of his brethren there. But he found the Virginians as intolerant as the 
crown or the Puritans, and he turned his back upon their narrow prejudices, 
and went to examine the beautiful, unoccupied region beyond the Potomac. He 
was pleased with the country, and applied for a charter to estabhsh a colony 
there. The London Company was now dissolved,^ and the soil had become the 
property of the monarch. King Charles readily granted a charter, but before it 
was completed, Baltimore died [April 25, 1632]. It was soon afterward issued 
to Cecil, his son and heir [June 20], and in honor of the queen, Henrietta 

1. Verse 29, p. 41. 2. Note 5, p. 56. 3. Verse 7, p. 46. 

4. Verse 10, p. 67. 6. Verse 8, p. 77. 



Que.itioiM. — 3. What did the settlers in New Hampshire do? When was the province of New Hamp- 
shire established ? 1. What was the condition of Roman t^atholics under king James? 2. Who was 
George Calvert? and what did he do? 3. When Lord Baltimore, how was he received in Virginia? For 
what territory was a charter given to him ? What was the name and extent of the new province ? 



MARYLAND. 



61 




CECIL, SECOND LORD BALTIMORE. 



Maria,' the province was called Maryland. 
The territory defined in the charter extended 
along each side of Chesapeake Bay, from the 
30th to the 45th degree of north latitude, its 
western line being the waters of the Poto- 
mac. 

4. The Maryland charter was drawn, it is 
believed, by the first Lord Baltimore's own 
hand. It was the most liberal one yet grant- 
ed, both in respect of the proprietor and the 
settlers. The government of the province 
was independent of the crown, and equality 
in rehgious rights and civil freedom, was se- 
cured to every Christian sect. The king had 
no power to levy the smallest tax upon the 
colonists, and all laws were invalid until sanc- 
tioned by a majority of the freemen, or their 
deputies. Under such a wise and liberal charter, the colony, when planted, 
flourished remarkabh*. 

5. The first company of emigrants, mostly Roman Catholics, sailed for Amer- 
ica on the 2d of December, 1633, under Leonard Calvert, brother of the proprie- 
tor, and governor of the province. They arrived in March, 1634, and after saihng 
up the Potomac, as far as Mount Vernon, they descended the stream, almost to 
its moutli. They landed upon an estuary of the Chesapeake, purchased an Indian 
village, and laid the foundation of a town [April, 1634], which they named St. 
Mary. 2 The honesty of Calvert in paying for the land, secured the good wiU of 
the Indians ; and, unlike the first settlers of most of the other colonies, they 
experienced no sufferings from want, or the hostilities of the Aborigines.^ 

6. The first legislative assembly was convened at St. Mary on the 8th of 
March, 1635. Every freeman being allowed to vote, it was a purely demo- 
cratic legislature. As the number of colonists increased, tliis method of mak- 
ing laws was found to be inconvenient, and in 1639, a representative govern- 
ment was established, the people being allowed to send as many delegates as 
they pleased. The first representative assembly made a declaration of rights, 
defined the powers of the proprietor, and took measures to secure to the colon- 
ists all the civil liberties enjoyed by the people of Old England. Then was 
founded the commonwealth of Maryland. 



1. She was a Roman Catholic, and sister of Louis the Thirteenth of France. 

2. Trading: posts were established a little earlier than this, within the Maryland province. In 1631 
William Clayborne obtained a license from the king to traffic with the Indians ; and when Calvert and 
his company came, he had two settlements, one on Kent Island, nearly opposite Annapolis, and another 
at the present Havre de Grace, at the mouth of the Susquehannah. He refused to acknowledge the au- 
thority of Baltimore, and trouble ensued. He collected his people on the eastern shore of Maryland in 
1635, with a determination to defend his claims by force of arms ; and in May quite a severe skirmish 
ensued between his forces and those of the colonists. Clayborne's men were taken prisoners, and he 
fled to Virginia. He was declared guilty of treason, and sent to England for trial. His estates were for- 
feited ; but, being acquitted of the charge, he returned to Maryland and incited a rebellion. See verse 
2, p. 112. 

3. Verse 12, p. 15, and verse 19, p. 80. 



Questions. — i. By whom was the Maryland charter drawn ? and what was its character ? 5. What 
kind of emigrants iirst settled in Maryland? Can you relate the incidents of their arrival and settle- 
ment ? 6. Where did the first legislative assembly convene in Maryland ? What did it accomplish ? 



62 SETTLEMENTS. 

SECTION VI. 

CONNECTICUT. [1632-1639]. 

1. The Connecticut river was first explored, as far as Hartford, by Adrian 
Block,' in 1614, who named it Versche, or Fresh Water river. '^ Soon afterward 
Dutch traders were upon its banks, and might have carried on a peaceful and 
profitable traffic with the Indians, had honor and honesty marked their course. 
But the avaricious agent of the Dutch imprisoned an Indian chief on board his 
vessel, and would not release him until a ransom of one hundred and forty 
fathoms of wampum^ had been paid. The exasperated Indians menaced the 
traders, and near the site of Hartford, at a place yet known as Dutch Point, 
they commenced the erection of a fort. The Indians were concihated, and the 
fort was abandoned for awhile. 

2. In 1627, friendlj' intercourse was opened between the Dutch of New 
Netherlands and the Puritans.^ With the guise of friendship, but really for the 
purpose of strengthening the claims of the Dutch to the Connecticut valley, by 
having an English settlement there, under the jurisdiction of New Netherland, 
governor Minuit "' advised the Puritans to leave the barren land of Massachusetts 
Bay, and settle in the fertile region of the Fresh Water river. In 1631, a 
Mohegan chief, then at war with the powerful Pequods,^ desirous of having a 
strong barrier between himself and his foes, urged the English to come and 
settle in the Connecticut valley. The Puritans clearly perceived the selfish 
policy of both parties, and hesitated to leave. The following year [1632], how- 
ever, governor Winslow, of the Plymouth colony,' visited tlrat fertile region, 
and, dehghted with its appearance, resolved to promote emigration thither. 

3. In the meanwhile, the Council of Plymouth^ granted the soil of Connecti- 
cut [1630] to the earl of Warwick, who, in 1631, transferred his interest to 
lord Say-and-Seal, lord Brooke, John Hampden, and others. The eastern 
boundary of the territory was "Narraganset river," and the western (like all 
other charters at that time) was the Pacific Ocean.^ The Dutch became ap- 
prized of the movements of the English ; and perceiving no advantage (but 
detriment) to themselves, the}' purchased of the Indians the land at Hartford 
and vicinity, completed their fort,*" and placed two cannons upon it [1633], with 
the intention of preventing the English ascending the river. 

4. In October [1633], captain Wilham Holmes and a chosen company arrived 
in the Connecticut river, in a sloop. Holmes bore a commission from governor 
Winslow to make a settlement, and brought with him the frame of a house. 
When he approached the fort, the commander menaced him with destruction if 
he attempted to pass it. Holmes was not intimidated, and saihng by unhurt, 
he landed at the site of Windsor, and there erected his house. Seventy men 
were sent by the Dutch the following year, to drive him from the country. 
They were kept at bay, and finally a parle}' resulted in peaceful relations." 

5. Holmes's colony flourished, and in the autumn of 1635, a party of sixty 

1. Verse 2, p. 52. 

2. Connecticut is the English oi-thography of the Indian word Quon-eh-ta-cut, which signifies " the 
long liver." 

3. Probably about $400. See Note 3. p. 9. 

4. Verse 6, p. 56. 5. Verse 1, p. 103. 6. Verse 14, p. 15. 7. Verse 12, p. 58. 
8. Verse 3, p. 55. 9. Verse 3, p. 55. 10. Verse 1, p. 62. 11. Note 3, p. 106. 



Quefition/i. 1. By -whom was the Connecticut river first explored? What occurred between the Dutch 
and liuiiaus ? 2. What overtures were made to the Puritans by the Dutch and Indians ? What did the 
Puritans do ? 3. To whom was the soil of (Connecticut granted ''! What movements did the Dutch make ? 
4. Cau you relate the adventures of Holmes with the Dutch ? 5. What settlers went to the Connecticut 
river? What occurred to them ? What pious act did they perform ? 




CONNECTICUT. 63 

men, women, and children, from the Puritan settlements, commenced a jour- 
ney through the wilderness [Oct. 25] to join him. With their cattle,' they 
made a slow and dreary journey of a hundred miles through dark forests and 
dismal swamps ; and when they arrived upon the banks of the Connecticut 
[Nov. 25], the ground was covered with deep snow, 
and the river was frozen. It was a winter of great 
trial for them. Many cattle perished.2 A vessel bear- 
ing food for the colony was lost on the coast, and the 
settlers were compelled to subsist upon acorns, and 
scanty supplies of Indian corn from the natives. Many 
of them made theu" way to the fort, then just erected 
at Say brook, near the mouth of the river, and returned 
to Boston by water. Spring opened, and the necessi- 
ties of those who remained were supplied. They erected 
a small house for worship on the site of Hartford, and 
in April, 1636, the first court, or organized government, nusx MEETiNG-HocbE. 
was held there. 

6. At about the time when this company departed, a son of governor Win- 
throp ^ of Massachusetts, Hugh Peters and Henry Vane, arrived at Boston from 
England, as commissioners for the proprietors of Connecticut, with instructions 
to build a fort at the mouth of the river of that name, and to plant a colony there. 
The fort was speedily built, and the settlement was named Saybrook, in honor 
of the two peers named in the charter.'* 

7. In June, 1636, Rev. Thomas Hooker, the "light of the western churches," 
with other ministers, their families, and flocks, in all about one hundred, left the- 
vicinity of Boston for the Connecticut valley. It was a toilsome journey 
through the swamps and forests. They subsisted upon the milk of their cows 
which tliey took with them, and on the 4th of July [1636], they stood upon the 
beautiful banks of the Connecticut. On the 9th, Mr. Hooker preached and ad- 
ministered the communion in the little meeting-house at Hartford, and there a 
great portion of the company settled. Some chose Wethersfield for a residence ; 
and others, from Roxbury, went up the river twenty miles, and settled at 
Springfield, There were now five distinct Enghsh settlements upon the Con- 
necticut river. 

8. A storm was now gathering. The powerful Pequod IndiansS became 
jealous of the white people, because they appeared to be the friends of their ene- 
mies, the Mohegans on the West, and of their more powerful foes, the Narragan- 
setts, on the East. They first commenced petty annoyances ; then kidnapped 
children, murdered men in the forests, and attacked families on the outskirts of 
the settlement at Saybrook. Their allies of Block Island^ captured a Massa- 
chusetts trading vessel, killed the captain^ [July 1636] and plundered her. An 
inefficient expedition from Boston and vicinity penetrated the Pequod country, 
which resulted in only increasing the hatred and hostility of the savages. The 
PeqiLods became bolder, and finally sought an alliance with their enemies, the 
Narragansets^ in an effort to exterminate the white people. 



1. This was the first introduction of cattle into Connecticut. 

2. The loss in cattle was estimated at about $1,000. 

3. Verse 8, p. 86. 

4. Verse3, p. 62. 5. Verse 14, p. 15. . . ^ ^ 

6. This island, which lies nearly South from the eastern border of Connecticut, was vjsited by 
Adrian Block, the Dutch Navipator, and was called by his name. At the time m question it waa 
thickly populated with fierce Indians. 

7. John Oldham, the first overland explorer of the Connecticut River. 

Questions. — 6. Who else commenced a settlement? and what was it called? 7- Can you relate the 
Incidents of migration to the Connecticut in 1636 ? 8. What did the Indians do to the settlers ? and for 
what reason ? 



64: SETTLEMENTS. 

9. Roger Williams, who, for his tolerant opinions, had been banished from 
Massachusetts, was now a friendly resident in the country of the Narragansets, and 
heard of the proposed alUance. Forgetting the many injuries he had received, 
he warned the doomed people of the Bay Colony, of impending danger. At the 
risk of his own life, he descended Narraganset Bay in an open canoe, on a stormy 
day, and visited Miantonomoh, the Narraganset sachem, at his seat near New- 
port, while the Pequod ambassadors were there in council. The latter menaced 
Wilhams with death ; yet that good man remained three days, and effectually 
prevented the alliance.^ And more — he induced the Narragansets to renew hos- 
tilities with the Pequods. By this generous service the infant settlements were 
saved from destruction. 

10. During the ensuing "Winter, the Indians continued their murderous depre- 
dations. In the Spring, the authorities of the English settlements on the Con- 
necticut declared war against the Pequods [May 1637], and the Massachusetts 
and Plymouth colonies agreed to aid them. Soon, captain Mason, who was in 
command of the fort at Saybrook^ and captain John UnderhiU, a brave and rest- 
less man, sailed in some pinnaces, with about eighty white men and seventy 
Mohegan Indians under Uncas,i for Narraganset Bay. There Miantonomoh, 
with two hundred warriors, joined them, and they marched for the Pequod coxm- 
try. Their ranks were swollen by the brave Niantics and others, until five hun- 
dred " bowmen and spearmen" were in the train of captains Mason and Under- 
hiU. 

11. The chief sachem of the Pequods, was Sassacus, a fierce warrior, and the 
terror of the New England tribes. -5 He could summon almost two thousand 
warriors to the field; and feeling confident in his strength, was not properly 
vigilant. His chief fort and village on the Mystic river, eight miles north-east 
of New London, was surprised at dawn [June 5, 1637], and before sunrise 
more than six hundred men, women and children, perished by fire and sword. 
Only seven escaped to spread the dreadful intelhgence abroad, and arouse the 
surviving warriors. The Narragansets turned homeward, and the Enghsh, 
aware of great peril, pressed forward to Groton on the Thames, and there em- 
barked for Saybrook. They had lost only two killed, and less than twenty 
wounded. 

12. Sassacus had scarcely recovered from this shock, when almost a hundred 
armed settlers, from Massachusetts, under captain Stoughton, arrived at Say- 
brook. The terrified Pequods made no resistance, but fled in dismay toward the 
wilderness westward, hotly pursued by the English. Terrible was the destruction 
in the path of the pursuers. Throughout the beautiful country on Long Island 
Sound, from Saybrook to New Haven, wigwams and cornfields were destroyed, 
and helpless women and children were slain. With Sassacus at their head, the 
Indians flew like deer before the hounds, and finally took shelter in Sasco 
swamp, near Fairfield, where, after a severe battle, they all surrendered, except 
Sassacus and a few followers. These fled to the Mohawks,^ where the sachem was 
treacherously murdered, and his people were sold into slavery, or incorporated 
with other tribes. The blow was one of extermination, relentless and cruel. 
" There did not remain a sannup or squaw, a warrior or child of the Pequod 



1. Verse 11, p. 87. 2. Verse 5, p. 66. 3. Verse 6, p. 63. 

4. Verse 14, p. 15. 5. Verse 15-, p. 16. 6. Verse 2, p. 17. 



Questions. — 9. What did Rogrer Williams do for the English settlers? 10. What preparations were 
made for war with the Indians? 11. Who was the head of the Pequods, and where was his residence? 
What occurred to his chief fort and village? 13. What did the English do? and what misfortunes be- 
fell Sassacus and his tribe ? 



CONNECTICUT. 65 

name. A nation had disappeared in a day." The New England tribes^ were 
Med with awe, and for forty years the colonists were unmolested by them. 

13. In the Summer of 1637, Jolin Davenport, an eminent non-conformist^ 
minister of London, with Theophilus Eaton and Edward Hopkins, rich mer- 
chants who represented a wealthy company, arrived at Boston. They were 
cordially received, and urgently solicited to settle in that colony. The Hutchin- 
son controversy^ was then at its height ; and perceiving the religious agitations 
of the people, they resolved to found a settlement in the wilderness. The saga- 
cious Puritans, while pursuing the Pequods, had discovered the beauty and fer- 
tility of the country along the Sound from the Connecticut to Eairfield, and 
Davenport and his companions heard their report with joy. Eaton and a few 
others explored the coast in Autumn, and erecting a hut^ near the Quinipiac 
creek (the site of New Haven), they passed the winter there, and selected it for 
a settlement. In the Spring [April 13, 1638] Davenport and others followed, 
and under a wide spreading oak,5 the good minister preached his first sermon. 
The}'- purchased the lands at Quinipiac, of the Indians, and, taking the Bible for 
their guide, they formed an independent government, or " plantation covenant" 
upon strictly rehgious principles. Prosperity blessed them, and they laid the foun- 
dations of a city and called it New Haven. 

14. The following year the settlers at "Windsor, Hartford, and Wethersfield, 
met in convention at Hartford [January 24, 1639], and adopted a written con- 
stitution, which contained very hberal provisions. It ordained that the goveraor 
and legislature should be elected annually, by the people, and they were re- 
quired to take an oath of allegiance to the commonwealth, and not to the king. 
The General Assembly, alone, could make or repeal laws ; and in every matter 
the voice of the people was heard. This was termed the Connecticut Colony ; 
and, notwithstanding it and the New Haven Colony were not united until 
1665, now was laid the foundation of the Commonwealth of Connecticut, which 
was governed by the Hartford Constitution for more than a century and a half. 



>•■»*«»■ 



SECTION VII. 

RHODE ISLAND. [1636-1643.] 

1. The first settler in Rhode Island was WiUiam Blackstone, a non-conformist 
minister,^ who was the first resident upon the peninsula of Shawmut, where 
Boston now stands.^ Not liking the "lords brethren" in Massachusetts any 
more than the " lords bishops" of England, he withdrew to the wilderness, and 
dwelt high up on the Seekonk or Pawtucket river, which portion of the stream 
still bears his name. There he planted, and called the place Rehoboth.^ Al- 
though he was the first settler, Blackstone was not the founder of Rhode Island. 
He always held allegiance to Massachusetts. 

1. Verse 15, p. 16. 2. Note 5, p. 56. 3. Verse 12, p. 88. 

4. On the corner of Church and George streets, New Haven. 

5. At the intersection of George and College streets. New Haven. 

6. Note 5, p. 56. 7. Verse 8, p. 86. 

8. Room. The name was significant of his aim — he wanted room outside of the narrow confines of 
what he deemed Puritan intolerance. 



Questwns.—li. What circumstances led to the settlement at New Haven ? Who were the principal 
men engaged in the movement ? 14, What did the settlers at Hartford and vicinity do? What was 
the character of their constitution? 1. Who first settled in Rhode Island ? and what caused him to do so ? 



QQ SETTLEMENTS. 

2. "When Roger Williams was banished from Massachusetts toward the close 
of 1635,1 l^Q crossed the borders of civilization, and found liberty and toleration 
among the heathen. After his sentence,"-^ his bigoted persecutors began to 
dread the intluence of his enlightened principles, if he should plant a settlement 
beyond the limits of existing colonies, and they resolved to detain him. In- 
formed of their scheme, he withdrew from Salem in the dead of winter [Jan., 
1636], and through deep snows he traversed the forests alone, for fourteen 
weeks, sheltered only by the rude wigwam of the Indian, until he found the 
hospitable cabin 3 of Massasoit, the chief sachem of the Wampaiioags,^ at Mount 
Hope. There he was entertained until the buds appeared, when, being joined 
b}" five friends from Boston, he seated himself upon the Seekonk, some distance 
below Blackstone's plantation. 

3. Williams was within the territory of the Plymouth Company.^ Governor 
Winslow*' advised him to cross into the Xarraganset country, where he could 
not be molested. With his companions he embarked in a light canoe, paddled 
around to the head of Narraganset Bay, and upon a green slope, near a spring,'^ 
they prayed, and chose the spot for a settlement. Williams obtained a grant of 
land from Canonicus, chiefsachem of the iVarra^a^^efe, and in commemoration of 
"God's merciful providence to him in his distress," he called the place Providexce. 

4. The freedom enjoyed at Providence was soon spoken of at Boston, and 
persecuted men fled thither for refuge. Men of every creed were allowed full 
liberty of conscience, and lived together happily. The same freedom was 
allowed in politics as in religion ; and there was established a pure democracy. 
Each settler was required to subscribe to an agreement, that he would submit 
to such rules, "not affecting the conscience," as a majority of the inhabitants 
should adopt for the public good. Williams reserved no political power to him- 
self, and the leader and follower had equal dignity and privileges. The govern- 
ment was entirely in the hands of the people. 

5. The powerful Narraganset chief became much attached to Williams, and 
his influence among them, as we have seen,^ was very powerful. He saved his 
persecutors from destruction, yet they had not the Christian manliness to remove 
the sentence of banishment. His settlement was entirely unmolested during 
the Fequod war,^ and it prospered wonderfully. 

6. Early in 1638, while Mrs, Hutchinson 'was yet in prison in Boston,"' her 
husband, \vith William Coddington, Dr. John Clarke, and sixteen others, of 
coucurrrent religious views," accepted the invitation of Roger Wilhams to settle 
in his vicinity. Miantonomoh gave them the beautiful island of Aquiday'"^ for 
forty flithoms of white wampum".>3 They called it Isle of Rhodes, and upon its 
northern verge they planted a settlement, and named it Portsmouth. A cove- 
nant, similar to the one used by Williams, !■* was signed by the settlers; and, m 



1. Terse 11, p. 87. ^ ,.. ^ . 

2. Williams was allowed six weeks after the pronunciation of his sentence to prepare for his departure. 

3. Massasoit had become acijuainted with the manner of building cabins adopted by the settlers at 
fishinjr-stations on the coast, and had constructed one for himself. They were much more comfortable 
than wigwams. See Verse 7, P- 9- „ „ ., 

4. Verse 15. p. 16. 5. Verse 7, p. 46. 6. % erse 4, p. 62 
7 This spring is now beneath some fine sycamores, on the west side of Benefit Street, m Providence. 
8. Verse 9, p. 64. 9. Verse 10, p. 64. 10. Verse 12, p. 88. II. Note 6, p. 88. 

12. This was the Indian name of Rhode Island. It is a A\irraganset word, signifying Peaceable Isle. 
It is sometimes spelled Aquitneck, and Aquitnet. ,^ . , . 

13. Note 3, p. 9. They also gave the Indians ten coats and twenty hoes, on condition that they should 
leave the island before the next Winter. 

14 Verse 4, p. 66. The following is a copy of the government compact: "We whose names are 
underwritten, do swear solemnly, in the presence of Jehovah, to incorporate ourselves into a body 



QuMHon3 —2. What did the persecutors of Roger Williams fear ? What did he do ? 3. What led to 
the founding of Proridence !> What kind of government did Williams establish ? What was the effect ? 
5. How was Williams regarded by the Indians? 6. What led to a settlemeut on Ebode Island? What 
was the result? 



DELAWARE. 67 

imitation of the Jewish form of government under the judges. Coddington was 
chosen judge or chief ruler, with three assistants. Otliers soon came from Bos- 
ton; and in 1639, Newport, toward the lower extremity of the island, was 
founded. Liberty of conscience was absolute ; love was the social and political 
bond, and upon the seal which they adopted was the motto, Amor vincit omnia, 
— "Love is all-powerful." 

1. Although the Rhode Island and the Providence plantations were separate 
in government, they were united in interest and aim. Unwilling to acknowledge 
allegiance to either Massachusetts or Plymouth,' they sought an independent 
charter. For that purpose Roger Williams went to England in 1643. The 
whole parent country was then convulsed with civil war."^ After, much delay, 
he obtained from Parliament (which was then contending fiercely with the 
king) a free charter of incorporation [March 24, 1644], and all the settlements 
were united under the general title of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. 
Then was founded the commonwealth of Rhode Island. 



1^ .t ♦ »« ^ 



SECTION VIII. 

DELAWARE, NEW JERSEY, AND PENNSYLVANIA. [1631-1682.] 

1. The first permanent settlements in the provinces of Delaware, New Jersey, 
and Pennsylvania, bore such intimate relations to each other, that they may be 
appropriately considered as parts of one episode in the history of American 
colonization. 

DELAWARE. 

2. Cape Henlopen was the southern coast-limit of New Netherlands. ^ In 
June, 1629, Samuel Godyn and others purchased of the natives, the territory be- 
tween the Cape and the mouth of the Delaware river. The following year two 
ships under the command of Peter Heyes sailed from the Texel [Dec. 12, 1630] 
for America. One vessel was captured. The other arrived in April, 1631 ; and 
near the present town of Lewiston, in Delaware, thirty emigrants, with imple- 
ments and cattle, seated themselves. Hayes returned to Holland, and reported 
to captain De Yries.^ his employer. That mariner visited America early the 
following year [1632], but the little colony left by Heyes was not to be found. 
Difficulties with the Indians had provoked savage vengeance, and they had 
exterminated the white people. 

3. A competitor for a place on the Delaware now appeared. Usselincx, an 
original projector of the Dutch West India Company,^ becoming dissatisfied 

politic, and, as he shall help us, will submit our persons, lives, and estates, unto our Lord Jesus Christ, 
the King: of kings and Lord of Hosts, and to all those most perfect and absolute laws of his, given us in 
his holy word of truth, to be guided and judged therebj'." 

1. This unwillingness caused the other New England colonies to refuse the application of Rhode 
Island to become one of the Confedeiacy, in 1643. See Verse 6, p. 67. 

2. Note 10, p. "8. 3. Verse 4, p. 53. 

4. De Vries was an eminent navigator, and one of Godyn's friends. To secure his valuable services, 
the purchasers made him a partner in their enterprise, with patroon [Verse 2, p. 104] privileges, and 
the first expedition was arranged by him. He afterwards came to America, and was one of the most 
active men in the Dutch colonies. On his returu to Holland, he published an account of his voyages. 

5. Verse 5, p. 53. 



Questions. — 6. What did the Rhode Island settlements become? 1. What of the early history of 
Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania? 2. What was the southern coast limit of New Netherlands? 
What happened on the shores of the Delaware? 3. What caused a Swedish emigration to the Dela- 
ware ? 



68 SETTLEMENTS. 

with his associates, visited Sweden, and laid before the enhghtened monarch, 
Gustavus Adolphus, well-arranged plans for a Swedish colony in the New 
World. The king was delighted, for his attention had already been turned 
toward America ; and his benevolent heart was full of desires to plant a free 
colony there, which should become an asylum for all persecuted Christians. 
While his scheme was ripening, the danger which menaced Protestantism in 
Germany, called him to the held, to contend for the principles of the Reforma- 
tion. ^ He marched from his kingdom with a strong army to oppose the Impe- 
rial hosts marshaUed under the banner of the pope on the fields of Germany. 
Yet the care and tumults of the camp and field did not make hun forget his 
benevolent designs ; and only a few days before his death, at the battle of 
Lutzen [Nov. 6, 1632], Gustavus recommended the enterprise as "the jewel of 
his kingdom." 

4. Christina, the daughter and successor of Gustavus, was then only six 
years of age. The government was administered by a regency, 2 at the head of 
wliich was Axel, count of Oxenstierna. He was the earliest and most ardent 
supporter of the great enterprise of Gustavus; and in 1634, he issued a charter 
for the Swedish West India Company. Peter Minuit,^ who had been recalled 
from the governorship of New Netherland, went to Stockholm and offered his 
services to the new corporation. They were accepted, and toward the close of 

1637, he sailed from Gottenburg with fifty emigrants, to plant a colony on the 
west side of the Delaware. He landed on the site of New Castle, in April, 

1638, and purchased from the Indians,^ the territory between Cape Henlopen 
and the Falls of the Delaware, at Trenton. They built a church and fort on the 
site of Wilmington, called the place Cliristina, and gave the name of New Sweden 
to the territory. 

5. The jealousy of the Dutch was aroused by this "intrusion," and they 
hurled protests and menaces against the Swedes.' The latter continued to 
increase by emigration; new settlements were planted; and upon Tinicura 
island, a little below Philadelphia, they laid the foundations of a capital for a 
Swedish province.^ The Dutch West India Company^ finally resolved to expel 
or subdue the Swedes. The latter made hostile demonstrations, and defied the 
power of the Dutch, The challenge was acted upon ; and toward the close of 
the summer of 1655, governor Stuyvesant, with a squadron of seven vessels, 
entered Delaware Bay.^ In September every Swedish fort and settlement was 
brought under his rule, and the capital on Tinicum island was destroyed. The 
Swedes obtained honorable terms of capitulation ; and for twenty-five years 
they prospered under the rule of the Dutch and EngUsh proprietors of New 
Netherland. 

NEW-JERSEY. 

6. The territory of New-Jersey was included in the New-Netherland charter,^ 
and transient trading settlements were made [1622], first at Bergen, by a few 

1. Note 14, p. 45. 

2. A regent is one who exercises the power of a kin? or emperor, during the absence, incapacity, or 
childhood of the latter. For many years, George the Third of England was incapable of ruling, and 
his son, who was to be his successor at his death, was called the Prince Regent, because Parliament 
had given him power to act as king, in the place of his father. In the case of Christina, three persons 
were appointed regents or rulfrs. 

3. Verse 1, p. 103. 4. The Delmcnrex.—Xerse 1.% p. 15. 5. Verse 4, p. 104. 

6. This was done about forty years before William Penn became proprietor of Pennsylvania. 

7. Verse 6, p. 53. 8. Verse 9, p. 106. 9- Verse 4, p. 53. 



Questions. — 4. What ofiBcer gave a charter to a Swedish company? What was it called? What was 
dii'ie imder its direction ? 5. What difficulties occurred between the Dutch and Swedes T What was the 
result ? 6. When and where were settlements first made in New Jersey ? 



NEW JERSEY AND PENNSYLVANIA. 69 

Danes, and then on the Delaware. Early in 1623, the Dutch built a log fort 
near the mouth of Timber Creek, a few miles below Camden, and called it 
Nassau.' In June, 1623, four couples, who had been married on the voyage 
from Amsterdam, were sent to plant a colony on the Delaware. They seated 
themselves upon the site of Gloucester, a httle below Fort Nassau. 

7. In 1630, Michael Pauw bought, from the Indians, the lands extending from 
Hoboken to the Raritan ; and also the whole of Staten Island, and named the 
territory Pavonia.'^ In this purchase, Bergen was included. Other settlements 
were attempted, but none were permanent. In 1631, captain Heyes, after 
establishing the Swedish colony at Lewiston,3 crossed the Delaware, and pur- 
chased Cape May ^ from the Indians ; and from that point to Burlington, traders' 
huts were often seen. The English became possessors of New Netherland in 
1664, and the Duke of York, to whom the province had been given,^ conveyed 
to Lord Berkeley and Sir George Carteret [June 24, 1664], all the territory be- 
tween the North and South (Hudson and Delaware) Rivers, and northward to 
the line of forty-one degrees and forty minutes, under the title of Nova Ccesarea 
or New Jersey. Soon afterward several families from Long Island settled at 
Elizabethtown,6 and there planted the first seed of the New Jersey colony. The 
following year, Philip Carteret, who had been appointed governor of the new 
province, arrived with a charter, fair and liberal in all its provisions. It pro- 
vided for a government to be composed of a representative assembly ' chosen by 
the people, and a governor and council. The legislative powers resided in the 
assembly ; the executive powers were intrusted to the governor and his council. 
Then [1665] was laid the foundation of the commonwealth of New Jersey. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

8. At about the commencement of the civil wars [1642-1651] which resulted 
in the death of Charles the First, a new religious sect arose, called Quakers.^ 
Their preachers were the boldest, and yet the 

meekest, of all non-conformists.^ Purer than all 
other sects, they were hated and persecuted by 
all. Those who came to America for " conscience 
sake" were persecuted by the Puritans of New 
England,"' the Dutch of New Amsterdam, and 
the Churchmen of Virginia and Maryland. Only 
in Rhode Island did they enjoy freedom, and even 
there they did not always dwell in peace. 

9. In 16Y3, George Fox, the founder of the 
Quaker sect, visited all his brethren in America. 
He found them a despised people everywhere, and 
his heart yearned for an asylum for his brethren. 
Among the most influential of his converts was wiixiam penn. 

1. It was built under the direction of captain Jacobus May, who had observed attempts made by the 
French sea captain to set up the arms of France there. The fort was built of logs, and was little else 
than a rude block-house, with palisades. [See note 2, p. 99.] A little garrison, left to protect it, was 
soon scattered, and the fort was abandoned. 

2. Until the period of our war for independence, the point of land on which Jersey City now stands, 
was called Faulus' Hook. Here was the scene of a bold exploit in 1779. Verse 12, p. 217. 

3 Verse 2, p. 67. 4. Named in honor of captain Jacobus May. 

6. Verse 12, p. 107. 6. Verse 2, p. 119. 7. Note 3, p. 119. 

8. This name was given by Justice Bennet, of Derby, in 1650, who was admonished by George Fox 
to tremble at the word of the Lord. — Hayuon. See verse 18, p. 90. 

9. Note 16, p. 56. 10. Verse 2, p. 54. 

Questwns. — 7, What other purchases and settlements were made iu New Jersey ? What government 
was given to the settlers? 8. What was the condition of the Quakers in America? 9. What did their 
founder do ? How came Quakers to possess a part of New Jersey t What did they do ? 




70 



SETTLEMENTS. 



William Penn, son of the renowned admiral of that name. Through him the 
sect gained access to the ears of the nobility, and soon the Quakers possessed 
the western half of New Jersey, by purchase from lord Berkeley. ^ The first 
company of immigrants landed in the autumn of 1675, and named the place of 
debarkation SalemJ^ They established a democratic form of government ; and 
in November, 1681, the first legislative assembly of Quakers ever convened, met 
at Salem. 

10. In the meanwhile, Penn, who had been chief peace-maker when disputes 
arose among the proprietors and the people, took measures to plant a new colony 
beyond the Delaware. He applied to Charles the Second for a charter. The 
king remembered the services of admiral Penn,^ and gave his son a grant 
[March 14, 1681] of "three degrees of latitude by five degrees of longitude west 
of the Delaware," and named the province Pennsylvania. It included the princi- 
pal settlements of the Swedes. To these people, and others within the domain, 
Penn sent a proclamation, filled with the loftiest sentiments of republicanism. 
William Markham, who bore the proclamation, was appointed deputy governor 
of the province, and with him sailed [May, 1681] quite a large company of im- 
migrants, who were members or employees of the Company of Free Traders,^ 
who had purchased lands of the proprietor. 

11. In the spring of 1682 [May], Penn published a frame of government, and 
sent it to the settlers for their approval. It was not a constitution, but a code 
of wholesome regulations for the people of the colony.^ He soon afterward ob- 
tained, by grant and purchase [Aug., 1682], the domain of the present State of 
Delaware, which the duke of York claimed, notwithstanding it was clearly 
not his own. It comprised three counties, called The Territories.^ 

12. Toward the close of August, 1682, Penn sailed for America with about one 
hundred emigrants. The voyage was long and tedious ; and when he arrived 
at Newcastle, in Delaware [Nov. 6], he found almost a thousand new comers 

there, some of whom had sailed before, and some 
after, his departure from England, He was joy- 
fully received by the old settlers, who then num- 
bered almost three thousand. The Swedes said, 
"It is the best day we have ever seen;" and 
they all gathered like children around a father. 

13. On the day after his arrival, Penn received 
from the agents of the duke of York,''' in the pres- 
ence of the people, a formal surrender of The 
Territories ; and after resting a few days, he pro- 
ceeded to visit his brethren in New Jersey, and 
the authorities at New York. On his return, he met the General Assembly of 
the province, at Chester,^ when he declared the Union of The Territories with 




TH£ ASSEMBLY HOUSE. 



1. Verse 2, p. 119. 

2. Now the capital of Salem county, New Jersey. 

3. He was a very efficient naval commander, and by his skill contributed to the defeat of the Dutch 
in 166-J. The king gave him the title of Baron for his services. Note 15, p. 45. 

4. Lands in the new province were offered for about ten cents an acre. Quite a number of purchasers 
united, and called themselves The Comjiany of Free Traders, with whom Penn entered into an agree- 
ment concerning the occupation of the soil, laying out of a city, &c. 

5. It ordained a General Assembly or court, to consist of a governor, a council of seventy chosen by 
the freemen of the colony, and a house of delegates, to consist of not less than two hundred members, 
nor more than five hundred. These were also to be chosen by the people. The proprietor, or his 
deputy (the governor), was to preside, and to have a three-fold voice in the council ; that is, on all 
questions, he was to have three votes for every one of the councillors. 

6. Newcastle, Kent and Susses. 7- Verse 12, p. 107. 

8. The picture is a correct representation of the building at Chester, in Pennsylvania, wherein tho 

Questions. — 10. What did William Penn attempt ? What territory was granted to him 1 What in- 
ducements were offered to settlers? What company was formed? 11. What did Penn do in 1682? 
12. How was he received in America ? 13. What public act did he perform ? What did he do on his 
return from New York ? 



THE CAROLINAS. 71 

Pennsylvcania. He made a more judicious organization of the local govern- 
ment, and then -was permanently laid the foundations of the commonwealth of 
Pennsylvania. 



^ .> ♦ ». » 



SECTION IX. 

THE CAROLINAS. [1622-1680]. 

1. "We have already considered the unsuccessful efforts at settlement on the 
coast of Carohna during the sixteenth century. ^ As early as 1609, some dissatis- 
fied people from Jamestown settled on the Nansemond ; and in 1622, Porey, 
then Secretary of Virginia, with a few friends, penetrated the country beyond 
the Roanoke. In 1630, Charles the First granted to Sir Robert Heath, his at- 
torney-general, a domain south of Virginia, six degrees of latitude in width, ex- 
tending from Albemarle Sound to the St. John's River, in Florida, and, as usual, 
westward to the Pacific Ocean. No settlements were made, and the charter 
was forfeited. 

2. Dissenters or Noncomformists^ now suffered many disabilities in Virginia, 
and looked to the \\ildemess for freedom. In 1653, Roger Green and a few 
Presbyterians left that colony and settled upon the Chowan River, near the pres- 
ent village of Edenton. Other Dissenters followed, and the colony flourished. 
Governor Berkeley, of Virginia,3 wisely organized them into a separate political 
community [1663], and "William Drummond,^ a Scotch Presbyterian minister, 
was appointed their governor. They received the name of Albemarle County 
Colony, in honor of the duke of Albemarle, who, that year, became a proprietor 
of the territory. Two years previously [1661], some New England^ adventurers 
settled in the vicinity of Wilmington, on the Cape Fear River, but many of them 
soon abandoned the country because of its poverty. 

3. In 1663, Charles the Second granted the whole territory named in Heath's 
charter, to eight of his principal friends,^ and called it Carolina.''' As the 
Chowan settlement was not within the hmits of the charter, the boundary was 
extended northward to the present fine between Virginia and North Carolina, 
and also southward, so as to include the whole of Florida, except its peninsula. 
The Bahama Islands were granted to the same proprietors in 1667. ^ 

4. A company of Barbadoes planters settled [1665] upon the lands first occu- 
pied by the New England people, and founded a permanent settlement there. 
The few settlers yet remaining were treated kindly, and soon an independent 

Assembly met. It was yet standing in 1850. Not far from the spot, on the shore of the Delaware, at 

the mouth of Chester Creek, was also a solitary pine tree, which marked the place where Penn landed. 

1. Verse 21, p. 30, to Verse 27, p. 40. 2. Note 5, p. 56. 3. Verse 11, p. 78. 

4. Drummond was afterward executed on account of his participation in Bacon's revolutionary acts. 
See Verse Note 5, p. 82. 

5. Verse 2, p. 54. 

6. Lord Clarendon, his Prime Minister ; general Monk, just created duke of Albemarle ; lord Ashley 
Cooper, afterward earl of Shaftesbury ; Sir George Carteret, a proprietor of New Jersey -, Sir William 
Berkeley, governor of Virginia ; lord Berkeley, lord Craven, and Sir John Colleton. 

7. It will be perceived [note 5, p. 38] that the name of Carolina, given to territory south of Virginia, 
was bestowed in lionor of two kings named Charles, one of France, the other of England. 

8. Samuel Stephens succeeded Drummond as governor, in 1667 ; and in 1668, the first popular Assem- 
bly in North Carolina, assembled at Edenton. 



Quefiiom. — 1. What attempts at settlement in Carolina were made? 2. What originated the Albemarle 
Count!/ Colony !" What had already been done ? 3. To whom was Carolina granted? What additions 
were naado to the possessions of the proprietors ? 4. What other settlers founded a colony ? 



72 SETTLEMENTS. 

colony, with Sir John Yeamans' as governor, was established. It was called 
the Clarendon County Colony^ in honor of one of the proprietors. Yeamans 
managed prudently, but the poverty of the soil prevented a rapid increase in the 
population.2 Now was founded the commonwealth of North Carolina. 

5. In January 1670, the proprietors sent three ships with emigrants, under 
the direction of William Sayle^ and Joseph West, to plant a more southerly 
colony. They entered Port Royal, landed on Beaufort Island at the spot where 
the Huguenots built Fort Carohna [1564],^ and there Sayle died early in 1671. 
The immigrants soon afterward abandoned Beaufort, and saihng into the Ashley 
River, 5 seated themselves on its western bank, at a place a few miles above 
Charleston, now known as Old Town, and there planted the first seeds of a 
South Carolina colony. 

6. West exercised authority until the arrival of Sir John Yeamans [December 
1671], who was appointed governor. He came with fifty families, and a large 
number of slaves.^ Representative government was instituted in 1672,^ under 
the title of the Carteret County Colony. It was so called in honor of one of the 
proprietors.^ Ten years afterward they abandoned the spot ; and upon Oyster 
Point, at the junction of Ashley and Cooper Rivers,^ nearer the sea, they 
founded the present city of Charleston.io Immigrants came from various parts 
of Europe, and many Dutch families, dissatisfied with the English rule at New 
York,^' went to South Carolina, where lands were freely given them, and soon, 
along the Santee and the Edisto, the ^vilderness began to blossom under the 
hand of culture. The people would have nothing to do with a government 
scheme prepared by Shaftesbury and Locke, 12 but preferred simple organic laws 
of their own making. Then was laid the foundations of the commonwealth of 
South Carolina, although the history of the two States, under the same pro- 
prietors, is inseparable, until the period of their dismemberment in I729.i3 



SECTION X. 

GEORGIA [1733]. 

1. When the proprietors of the Carolinas surrendered their charter^^ to the 
Crown [1729], the whole country southward of the Savannah river to the vicm- 



1. Yeamans was an impoverished English baronet, who had become a planter in Barbadoes to mend 
his fortune. He was successful, and became wealthy. 

2. The inhabitants turned their attention chiefly to the manufacture of boards and other timber, and 
also turpentine, from the immense pine forests of the coast regions. Such continues to be the staple 
trade between the Cape Fear and Roanoke, in the vicinity of the seaboard. 

3. Sayle had previously explored the Carolina coast. Twenty years before he had attempted to plant 
an " Eleuthariaj" or place dedicated to the genius of Liberty [see Eleutheria, Anthon's Classical Dic- 
tionary], in the isles near the coast of Florida. 

4. Verse 13, p. 36. 5. Verse 6, p. 125. 

6. This was the commencement of negro slavery in South Carolina. Yeamans brought almost two 
hundred of them from Barbadoes. From the commencement, South Carolina has been a planting State. 

7. Note 9, p. 124. 

8. He was also one of the proprietors of New Jersey. See verse 2, p. 119. 

9. These were so called in honor of Ashley Cooper, earl of Shaftesbury. The Indian name of the 
former was Ke-a-wah, and of the latter, E-ti-ican. 

10. Charleston was laid out iu 1680 by John Culpepper, who had been surveyor-general for North Car- 
olina. See verse 6, p. 125. _ „ 

11. Verse 13, p. 107. 12. Verse 1, p. 123. 13. Verse 23, p. 129. 
14. Verse 23, p. 129. 

Questions.— 5. What efforts were made to plant a new southern colony f What did the immigrants 
do? 6. How was negro slaverv first introduced into South Carolina? What change did the settlers 
make ? How was immigration'eiicouraged ? 1. What occurred concerning the Georgia country T 



GEORGIA. 73 

ity of St. Augustine, was a wilderness peopled by native tribes/ and claimed by 
the Spaniards as part of their territory of Florida.^ The English disputed this 
claim, and South Carolina townships were ordered to be marked out as far south 
as the Alatamaha. The dispute grew warm and warlike, and the Indians, insti- 
gated by the Spaniards, depredated upon the frontier English settlements.^ 

2. While the clouds of hostiUty were gathering, and grew darker every hour, 
it was lighted up by a bright beam of benevolence, which proved the harbinger 
of a glorious day. It came from England, where, at that time, poverty was often 
considered a crime, and at least four thousand unfortunate debtors were yearly 
consigned to loathsome prisons. The honest and true, the noble and the edu- 
cated, as well as the ignorant and vile, groaned within prison walls. Their wail- 
ings at length reached the ears of benevolent men. Foremost among these 
was James Edward Oglethorpe,^ a brave soldier and staunch loyaUst, whose voice 
had been heard often in Parliament, against imprisonment for debt. 

3. General Oglethorpe was made chairman of a committee of inquiry upon the 
subject, appointed by Parliament, and his report, embodying a noble scheme of 
benevolence, attracted attention and admiration. He proposed to open the prison 
doors to all virtuous men within, who would accept the conditions ; and with 
these and other sufferers from poverty and oppression, to go to the wilderness of 
America, and there establish a colony of freemen, and open an asylum for perse- 
cuted Protestants' of all lands. The plan met warm responses in Parliament, 
and received the hearty approval of George the Second, then on the Enghsh 
throne [1730]. A royal charter for twenty-one years was granted [June 9, 
1732] to a corporation " in trust for the poor," to establish a colony within the 
disputed territory south of the Savannah, to be called Georgia, in honor of the 
King.6 Individuals subscribed large sums to defray the expenses of emigrants 
hither; and within two years after the issuing of the patent, Parliament had 
appropriated one hundred and eighty thousand dollars for the same purpose.' 

4. Oglethorpe was a practical philanthropist. He offered to accompany tlie 
first settlers to the wilderness, and to act as governor of the new province. "With 
one hundred and twenty emigrants he left England [Nov. 1732], and after a 
passage of fifty-seven days, touched at Charleston [Jan. 1733], where he was 
received with great joy by the inhabitants, as one who was about to plant a bar- 
rier between them and the hostile Indians and Spaniards.^ Proceeding to Port 
Royal, Oglethorpe landed a large portion of his followers there, and with a few 
others, he coasted to the Savannah river. Sailing up that stream as far as Tam- 
acraw Bluff, he landed and chose the spot whereon to lay the foundation of 
the capital of a future IBtate.^ 

1. Cbap I.. Sec. VIII. 2, Verse 18, p. 30. 3. Verse 20, p. 128. 

4. See portrait, page 75. Born in Surrey, Eng., Dec. 21, 1C93. He was a soldier by profession. In 
1745, was made a brigadier general, and fought against Charles Edward, the Pretender, who was 
a grandson of James the Second, and claimed rightful heirship to the throne of England. Oglethorpe 
refused the supreme command of the British army destined for America in 1775. Died June 30, 1785, 
aged 87 years. 

5. Note 14, p. 45. 

6. The domain granted by the charter extended along the coast from the Savannah to the Alatamaha, 
and westward to the Pacific ocean. The Trustees appointed by the crown, possessed all legislative and 
executive power ; and therefore, while one side of the seal of the new province expressed the benevolent 
character of the scheme, by the device of a group of toiling silkworms and the motto, Non sibi, sedalns ; 
the other side, bearing, between two urns, the genius of "' Georgia Augusta," with a ojp of Liberty ou 
her head, a spear and a horn of plenty, was a false emblem. There was no political liberty for the people. 

7. Brilliant visions of vast vintages, immense productions of silk for British looms, and all the wealth 
of a fertile tropical region, were presented for the contemplation of the commercial acumen of the busi- 
ness men of England. These considerations, as well as the promptings of pure benevolence, made dona- 
tions liberal and numerous. 

8. Verse 1, p. 72. 

9. Some historians believe that Sir Walter Raleigh, while on his way to South America, in 1595, went 
up the Savannah river, and held a conference witli tlie Indians on this veiy spot. 

Quefitinn.i.—2. What now occurred in England ? 3. What led to a settlement in Georgia ? How was 
the scheme encouraged ? 4. What did Oglethorpe do ? 

4 



74 SETTLEMENTS. 

5. The remainder of the emigrants arrived from Port Eojal soon afterward 
[Fob. 12, 1733 J. Tiie Winter air was genial, and with cheerful hearts and will- 
ing hands they consiructed a rude fortilication, and commenced the erection of a 
town, which they called Savannah, the Indian name of the river.' For almost a 
year the governor dwelt under a tent, and there he often held friendly inter- 
course with the chiefs of neighboring tribes. At length, when he had mounted 
cannons upon the fort, and safety was thus secured, Oglethorpe met fifty chiefs 
in council [May, 1733], with To-mo-chi-chi,' the chief sachem of the lower Creek 
Confederacy^ at their head, to treat for the purchase of lands. Satisfactory 
arrangements were made, and the English obtained sovereignty over the whole 
domain [June 1, 1733] along the Atlantic from the Savannah to the St. Johns, 
and westward to the Fhnt and the head waters of the Chattahoochee. The pro- 
visions of the charter formed the constitution of government for the people; and 
there, upon Yamacraw Bluff, where the flourishing city of Savannah now stands, 
was laid the foundation of the commonwealth of Georgia, in the Summer of 
1733. Immigration flowed thither in a strong and continuous stream, for all 
were free in religious matters ; yet for many years the colony did not flourish.* 

6. Never in the history of the world was greater heroism displayed than the 
seaboard of the domain of the United States exhibited during the period of set- 
tlements, and the development of colonies. Hardihood, taith, courage, indom- 
itable perseverance, and untiring energy, were requisite to accomplish all that 
was done in so short a time, and under such unfavorable circumstances. "While 
many of the early emigrants were mere adventurers, and sleep in deserved 
oblivion, because they were recreant to the great duty which they had self- 
imposed, there are thousands whose names ought to be perpetuated in brass and 
marble, for their faithful performance of the mighty task assigned them. They 
came here as sowers of the prolific seed of human liberty ; and during the colo- 
nizing period, many of them carefully nurtured the tender plant, while bursting 
into vigorous life. We, who are the reapers, ought to reverence the sowers and 
the cultivators with grateful hearts. 

1. The streets -were laid out wilh great regularity ; public squares were reserved ; and the houses were 
all built on one model, 24 by 16 feet, ou the ground. 

2. To-mo chi-chi was then an aged man, and at his first interview with Oglethorpe, he presented him 
wilh a butialo skin, ornamented with the picture of an eagle. '• Here," said the ch;ef, " is a liiile pres- 
c:it ; I give you a buffalo's skin, adorned on the inside wiih the head and feaihers of an eagle, which I 
desire you to accept, because the eagle is an emblem of speed, and (he buffalo of strength. The Englith 
are swift as the bird, and strong as the beast, since, like the former, they flew over vast seas to ihe 

'uitermost parts of the earth ; and, like the latter, they are so strongthat nothing can withstand them. 
The feathers of an eagle are soft, and signify love ; the buffalo's skin is w^m, and signifies protection ; 
therefore I hope the English will love and protect our little families." Alas, the wishes of ihe venerable 
Tomo-chi-chi were never realized, for the white people more often plundered and destroyed, than loved 
and protected the Indians. 

3. Verse 2, p. 21. 4. Verse 1, p. 130, and verse 9, p. 132. 



Queations. — 6. What did the settlers do on Yamacraw Bluff? What arrangements were made with the 
Indians ? What was the condition of the colonists ? 




JAMES EDWARD OGLETHOKPE. 



1. The colonial history of the United 
States is comprised within the period 
commencing when the several settle- 
ments along the Atlantic coasts became 
organized into political communities, 
and ending when representatives of 
these colonies met in general congress 
in 1774/ and confederated for mutual 
welfare. There was an earlier union of 
interests and efforts. It was when the 
several Enghsh colonies aided the mo- 



ther country in a lona: war against the combined hostilities of the French and 
Indians. As the local histories of the several colonies after the commencement 
of that war have but little interest for the general reader, we shall trace the pro- 
gress of each colony only to that period, and devote a section to the narrative of 
the French and Indian war.'^ 



1. Verse 35, p. 171. 



2. Sec. xii, p. 137. 



Questions.-l. What period comprises the colonial history of the United States ? What union of efforts 
was effected previous to 1774 ? 



76 COLONIES. 

2. "We have observed that a settlement acquires the character of a colony only 
when it has become permanent, and the people, acknowledging allegiance to a 
parent State, are governed by organic laws.' According to these conditions, the 
earliest of the thirteen colonies represented in the Congress of 1774, was 

VIRGINIA. [1619]. 

3. It was a happy day for the six hundred settlers in Virginia, when the gold- 
seekers disappeared,^ and the enlightened George Yeardley became governor, 
and established a representative assembly [June 28th, 1619] — the first in all 
America.3 And yet a prime element of happiness and prosperity was wanting. 
There were no white women in the colony. The wise Sandys, the friend of the 
Pilgrim Fathers,'^ was then treasurer of the London Company,'' and one of the 
most influential and zealous promoters of emigration. During the same year 
when the Puritans sailed for America [1620], he sent more than twelve hundred 
emigrants to Virginia, among whom were ninety young women, "pure and un- 
corrupt," who were disposed of for the cost of their passage, as wives for the 
planters.^ The following year sixty more were sent. The family relation was 
soon established ; the gentle influence of woman gave refinement to social life on 
the banks of the Powhatan ;7 new and powerful incentives to industry and thrift 
were created, and the mated planters no longer cherished the prevailing idea of 
returning to England.'^ 

4. Vessel after vessel, laden with immigrants, continued to arrive in the James 
River, and new settlements were planted, even so remote as at the Falls,^ and 
on the distant bank of the Potomac. The germ of an Empire was rapidly ex- 
panding with the active elements of national organization. Verbal instructions 
would no longer serve the purposes of government, and the company granted 
[August, 1621] the colonists a ivritten Constitution,^^ which ratified most of the 
acts of Yeardley.*' Provision was made for the appointment of a governor and 
council by the Company, and a popular assembly to consist of two burgesses or 
representatives from each borough, chosen by the people. This body, and the 
council, composed the General Assembly, which was to meet once a year and 
pass laws for the general good. '2 Such laws were not valid, until approved by the 
company, neither were any orders of the company binding upon the colonists, 
until ratified by the General Assembly. Trial by jury was established, and 
courts of law conformable to those of England were organized. Ever afterward 



I. Verse 1, p. 44, 2. Verse 16, p. 49. 3. Verse 27, p. 52. 4. Verse 10, p. 57. 

5. Verse 7, P- 46. 

6. Tobacco had already become a circulating medium, or currency, in Virginia. The price of a wife 
varied from lA) lo 150 pounds of this product, equivalent, in money value, to about $90 and $112 each. 
The second " cargo" were sold at a still higher price. By the King's special order, one hundred disso- 
lute vagabonds, called "jail birds" by the colonists, were sent over the same vear, and sold as bond- 
servants for a specified time. In August, the same year, a Dutch trading vessel entered the James 
river with negro slaves. Twenty of them were sold into perpetual slavery to the planters. This was 
the commencement of negro slavery in the English colonies [note 4, p. 135J. The slave population of 
the United Slates in 1850, was 3,204,313, according to the census. 

7. Verse 10, p. 47. 

8. Most of the immigrants hitherto were possessed of the spirit of mere adventurers. They came to 
America to repair shattered fortunes, or to gain wealth, with the ultimate object of returiiing to Eng- 
land to enjoy it. The creation of families made the planters more attached to the soil of Virginia. 

9. Near the site of the city of Richmond. The falls, or rapids, extend about six miles. 

10. The people of the Mayflower formed a icritten constitution for themselves. [Verse 11, p. 58.] 
That of Virginia was modelled after the constitution of England. 

II. Verse 26, p. 52. 

12. This was the beginning of the Virginia House of Burgesses, of which we shall often speak. 



Questions. — 2. What constitutes a colony? 3. What was wanting in Virginia? How was the want 
supplied ? What was the etfect ? 4. What progress did the colony make ? What was the character of 
the constitution ? How did the Virginians regard it f 



VIRGINTA. 77 

claiming ihoRO pn'viJeijes nsi riijhf.'i, tlu^ Virginians look back to the Summor of 
1021 as tlio via ol'llifir fivil iVoi^dom. 

5. Sir Francis Wyalt, who had l)i>cn a^)pointod governor uiuU^r Iho (NuiMlitu- 
tion, and brought the instrnnicnt with hnu, was ilclightcd with tho aspt'i-t of 
niVairs in Virginia. But a dark cloud soon arose in tho Suunncr sky. The 
ncigldtoring Indian tribes' gathered in soli^nn coum-il. Towhalan, the friend 
of the Knghsh afler the marriage of his daughter,'-' was dead, and an (<m«my of the 
while people ruled theilusky nation.' 'fhey lunl wali-ht'd tluMncreasiiig strength 
of the Knglish, with alarm, 'flu^ white pt>opU< wert> now four theiisand in mun- 

bt>r, ami rapidly im-reasing. The Indians read their destiny — annihilation 

upon the face ol' eyery new comer; and, pionipted by the tirsi great law of hin 
nature, self prest<r\ation, the red man resohed to strike a blow tor lifi*. 

6. An Indian cimspiracy to exterminate tho white i>eople was formed In the 
Spring of 1022. At mid-day, on the tirst of \\m\, the hatchet fell upon all of 
the niore remote settlements; and within an hour, three hundred and titty men 
women and cliildrcn were slain.' Jamestown^ and neighboring jilantationH 
were saved by the timely warning of a conyerted liulian.** The people were ou 
their guard ami eseaped. Tho.se far away in the ti)rcsts ilefendtHi themsidvea 
bravely, and then lied to Jamestown, Within a few days, eighty plantations 
were reduced to eight. 

7. Now concentrated at Jamostowii, tho people prepared for vengeance. A vin- 
dictive war ensued, and a terrible blow of retaliation was given. Tin* Indian.s 
upon the James ami York rivers were slaughteri'd by scores, or were driven far 
back into the wiUlernesa. Yet a blight was upon the colony. Sickness and 
famine (bllowed close upon tho massacre. Within three months, the colony of 
four thousand souls was reduced to twenty-live hundred; and at the beginning 
of 1()24, of the nine thousand persons who had been sent to Virginia, from Mng- 
laml, only eighteen humlicd reniaineil. 

K. The holders of the stock of the London C'omi'.vnv^ had now become very 
numerous, and their meetings, compo.sed of men of all respeetable ela.sses, as- 
Hinned a political character, in which two distinet parties were represented, 
namely, the advoi-ates of libi-rty, aial the Hupi>ortt*rs of the royal prerogatives. 
The king was otlriided by the freedom of debates at thes»» meetings, and regard- 
ed them as ininiieal to royalty iuid dangerous to (lie stability of his throne."* 
lie di^termiiu^dV) regain what he had lo.st by granting the liberal third charter," 
ti> the couipany. lie endeavored lirst to control the elections. Failing in this, 
he sought a pretence for dissolving the Company. A comuiissiou was ap})ointod 

1. The PowhatanB ; verse 10, p. li. 

2. Vi'iM) '^7, p. 51. 

3. I'owluilaii (liinl ill K'lIK, iiiiil wait Niu'oetHleil in offlce )>y his yuiingor brollier, Opn-luiiuMiiioiiglk 
[viMNO l:.', p. 7'.M- 'l''"i» ilili'l' liiiiiHl tlu< lOiifjlibli. Hi' rnpluroii Siuilli. 

4. ()|iin-liiiiu'iiii<>ii(;li wii.f wily iiml fM'ftnliiiKiy truurluMinin. 4»iily ii ffw iliiyH bftoit* llio iniinKiirris, lie 
<li-i'lai't'il lliat " hoiiiicr llio hliios would tall lliaii h\ft ^lll'lL(l^lllp with llin lOr^Uhh bliniiltl lio ilihholviHl." 
I'^^tni on Iho iluy ut' thu maHHUi'io, tho Iiullaiia uiitciud Iho hoiiHOH ol' iho plaiiioiH with iitiiiul tokuua of 

t'liulul^hlp. 

6. Voiso 10, p. 47. 

f). 'riiis wuH ( haiii'o, who was inroriiioil of Ihp lilooily dPMlfjn tho ovfnlii(^ provioiiH. Ho do^iroil to Have 
u wliitu I'lloiid ill .laiiioslou II, ami ^uvo him llli< inloi iiialioii. Il w a.-< too lali< to hi-iid woid to iho iiioru 
loiiiolo NotlloiiioiilN. Aiiioii({ IhoM' w 111) loll, on thi.t oooasioii, woro bi.\. iiioiubois ol' iho ooiiniil, uiui 
HON 01 111 of Iho woalthioKl iiihahilaiilN. 

7. Voi'HO 7, p. Hi. 

8. TlioNo uu-olin^iH woro i|iiito froi|iioiit ; and no iinpoitant woro tho iiioiiihorH, In politionl afTairH, that 
tlioy ooiild inlliionco tho oloi'tioii of inonilioin of pailiaint-iit. In lli-l, llio aoi'iunidi^hcd .NiolioliiH Korrar, 
an aolivo opponont of llio ooiirl parly, wan oloi'lod to I'ai liiiint-nl, liy Iho inllut'iii'i) of thu London Cuiu- 
paiiy. TliiN I'aol, doiihlloHK, cuubod thu king to dihMolvo tho Coiupuiiy thu prunont year. 

y. Vorsu i, p. 76. 



Queatiimn. — 5. What troiihio appoarodT fi. What ooiiiiplrac'v whh fornioil ? What torrihlo diNnster 
Ill-loll Iho VliKinlannr 7 How <li.l ilioy retulialuY What ulae befoll thu colony f 8. What <-un you lull 
uf iho Loudon t'uuipany and tlic king. 



78 COLONIES. 

[May 1623] to inquire into their affairs. It was composed of the king's phant 
instruments, who, having reported in favor of a dissolution of the Company, an 
equally pliant judiciary accomplished his designs [October 1623], and a quo 
warranto^ was issued. The company made but little opposition, for the settle- 
ment of Virginia had been an unprofitable speculation from the beginning ; and 
in July, 1624, the patents were cancelled.^ Virginia became a royal provinco 
again, -^ but no material change was made in the domestic all'airs of the 
colonists. 

9. With his usual egotism, king James boasted of the beneficent results to the 
colonists, which Avould flow from this usurpation, by which they were placed 
under his special care. lie appointed Yeardley,-* with twelve councillors, to ad- 
minister the government, but wisely refrained from interfering with the House 
of Burgesses.5 The king lived but a fev.^ months afterward, and at his death 
[April 6, 1625] he was succeeded by his son, Charles the First. That monarch 
was as selfish as he was weak. He sought to promote the welfare of the Vir- 
ginia planters, because he also sought to reap the profits of a monopoly, by 
becoming himself their sole factor in the management of their exports. He 
allowed them political privileges, because he asked their sanction for his com- 
mercial agency.'' 

10. Yeardley died in November 1627, and was succeeded by Sir John Harvey 
[1629], a haughty and unpopular royalist. He was a member of the commission 
appointed by James;- and the colonists so despised him, that they refused the 
coveted monopoly to the king. After many and violent disputes about land 
titles, the Virginians deposed him [1635] and appointed commissioners to proceed 
to England, with an impeachment. Harvey accompanied the commission. The 
king refused to hear complaints against the accused, and he was sent back 
clothed with full powers to administer the government. He ruled almost four 
years longer, and was succeeded [November 1639] by Sn- Francis Wyatt. 

11. Sir William Berkeley,^ an able an elegant courtier, succeeded Wyatt in 
August 1641. For ten years he ruled with vigor, and the colony prospered 
wonderfully.9 But, as in later years, commotions in Europe now disturbed the 
American settlements. The democratic revolution in England, '^ which brought 
Charles the First to the block, and placed Oliver Cromwell in power, now began 
[1642], and religious sects in England and America assumed political importance. 
Puritans" had hitherto been tolerated in Virginia, but now the Throne and the 



1. A writ oiquo warranto is issued to compel a person or corporation to appear before the king, and 
show by what autliorilv cevtiiin privileg-es are held. ,,.,.,, , ■,,,,- 

2. The company hurt expended almost §700,000 in estabhshmg the colony, and this great sum was 
almost a dead loss to the stockholders. -kt^^^io ^ -c 

3 Verse 7 p 46 4. Verse 2S, p. 51, 5. ^o(el2, p. ,6. 

6 In June IG'^S the king in a letter to the covernor and council, asked them to convene an assembly 
to consider his proposal to contract for the whole crop of tobacco. He Ihus tacitly acknowledged the 
legality of the republican assembly of Virginia, hitherto noisanctioned, but only ^permitted. 

8 W^as^bor'n^near London ; educated at Oxford ; became, by travel and education, a polished gentle- 
man ; was governor of Virginia almost 40 years, and died in .Tnly, 1677. 

9. in 1648 the number of colonists was 20,000. " The cottages were filled with children, as the ports 
were with ships and immigrants." , , .^^ r i- ^ ^ -u- • 4.1 i ^ e 4\ 

10. For a long time the exactions of (he king fostered a bitter feeling towards him in the hearts of the 




land, where he was born in 1599. Died, September, 1658. 
11. Verse 6, p. 56. 



Ov>"^1ion<<—<^ What did the king do? What was the character of his successor? 10. Why did the 
ViSaZhai^e governor B^^^^ What occurred between him and them? 11. What disturbed the 

peaco of the colonies ? 



VIRGINIA. 79 

Church were united in interest, and the Virginians being loyal to both, it was 
decreed that no minister should preach except in conformity to the constitution 
of the Church of England.' Many non-conformists- were banished from the 
colony. This was a dark cloud upon the otherwise clear skies of Virginia, but a 
darker cloud was gathering. 

12. The Indians were again incited to hostilities [April, 1644], by the restless 
and vengeful Opechancanough,^ and for two years a bloody border warfare was 
carried on. The king of the Powhatans^ was finally made captive, and died 
while in prison at Jamestown. The power of the confederation was completely 
broken, and after ceding large tracts of land'' to the English, the chiefs acknowl- 
edged allegiance to the authorities of Virginia. 

13. The Virginians remained loyal during the civil war in England ^ [1641- 
1649J, and when Republican government was proclaimed, they boldly recog- 
nized the son of the late king, although in exile, as their sovereign." The 
republican parliament was incensed, and took measures to coerce Virginia into 
submission to its authority. For that purpose Sir George Ayscue was sent with 
a powerful fleet, bearing commissioners of parliament, and anchored in Hampton 
Roads in March, 1652. 

14. Although the Virginians had resolved to submit rather than fight, they 
made a show of resistance. They declared their willingness to compromise 
with the invaders, to which the commissioners, surprised at the bold attitude 
of the colonists, readily consented. Instead of opening their cannons upon the 
Virginians, they courteously proposed submission to the authority of parliament 
upon terms quite satisfiictory to the colonists. Liberal political concessions to 
the people were secured, and they were allowed nearly all those civil rights 
which the Declaration of Independence,'^ a century and a quarter later, charged 
George the Third with violating. 

15. Until Charles the Second was restored to the throne of his father [May 
29. 1660]. Virginia was virtually an independent state, for CromweU made no 
appointments except that of governor. Already the people had elected Richard 
L^uajL [LGj2] to fill Berkeley's place. He was succeeded by Edward Digges; 
and in 1656, Cromwell appointed Samuel Matthews governor. On the death of 
the Protector [1658]. the Virginians were not disposed to acknowledge the 
authority of his son Richard, " and they elected Matthews their chief magis- 
trate, as a token of their independence. Universal suffrage prevailed ; all free- 
men, without exception, were allowed to vote ; and white servants, when their 
terms of bondage ended, had the same privilege, and might become burgesses. 

16. When intelligence of the probable restoration of Charles the Second 
reached Virginia, Berkeley, whom the people had elected governor in 1660, 
repudiated the popular sovereignty, and proclaimed the exiled monarch " King 
of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Virginia.''^ This happened before he was 
proclaimed in England. i" The Virginia repubhcans were offended, but being in 

1. Vers3 7. p. 53. 2. Note 5. p. 56. 3. Note 4. p. 77. 4. Verse 10, p. 14. 

5. They relinquished all claim lo ihe beautiful country between ihe York and James rivers, from '.he 
Falls of the latter, at Richmond, to the sea, forever. It was a legacy of a dying nation to their con- 
querois. After that, their utter destruction was swift and thorough. 

6. Note 10, p 78. 

7. Afterward the profligate Charles the Second. His mother was sister to the French king, and to 
that court she fled, with her children. It was a sad day for the moral character of England when he 
was enthrone 1. 

8 Suppliment, p. 325. 

9. Cromwell appointed his son Richard to succeed him in otBce. Lacking the vigor and ambition of 
his father, hj gladly resigned the troublesome legacy into the hands of the pe^.-ple, and, a li.tle more 
than a yeir afrerward, Charles the Second was entiironed. 

10. When informed that Parliament was about to send a fleet to bring them to submission, the Virgin- 



QtwuHonJt. — 12. What canned the final overthrow of the Powhatans? 1.^. What was the political char- 
acter of the Virginians? What did Parliament do? 14. What compromises were made by the Virginians 
and the commissioners? 15. What course did the Virginians now pursue? 16. What did Berkeley do? 
What e>;pectations were disappointed ? 



80 COLONIES. 

the minority, could do nothing. A new Assembly was elected and convened, 
and high hopes of favor from the monarch were entertained by the court party. 
But these were speedily blasted, and in place of greater privileges, came com- 
mercial restrictions to cripple the industry of the colon}-. The navigation act 
of 1651 was re-enacted in 1660, and its provisions were rigorously enforced.^ 

17. The people murmured, but in vain. The profligate monarch, who seems 
never to have had a clear perception of right and wrong, but was governed by 
caprice and passion, gave away, to his special favorites, large tracts of the finest 
portions of the Virginia soil, some of it already well cultivated."-^ 

18. Month after month, the Roj-alist party continued to show more and more 
of the foul hand of despotism. The pliant Assembly abridged the hberties of the 
people. Although elected for only two years, the members assumed to them- 
selves the right of holding office indefinitely, and the representative system was 
thus virtually abolished. The doctrines and rituals of the church of England 
having been made the religion of the State, intolerance began to grow. Bap- 
tists and Quakers 3 were compelled to pay heavy fines. The salaries of the 
royal officers being paid from duties upon exported tobacco, these officials were 
made independent of the people.^ Oppressive and unequal taxes were levied, 
and the idle aristocracy formed a distinct and ruling class. The "common 
people" — the men of toil and substantial worth — formed a Republican party, and 
rebellious murmurs were heard on every side. 

19. The menaces of the Susquehannah Indians,^ a fierce tribe of Lower Penn- 
sylvania, gave the people a plausible pretense for arming during the summer of 
1675. The Indians had been driven from their hunting-grounds at the head of 
the Chesapeake Bay by the Senecas,^ and coming down the Potomac, made war 
upon the Maryland settlements.'^ They finally committed murders upon Virginia 
soil, and retaliation ^ caused the breaking out of a fierce border war. 

20. Governor Berkeley's measures for defence were not satisfoctory, and 
Nathaniel Bacon,^ an energetic and highly esteemed republican, acting in be- 
half of his party, demanded permission for the people to arm and protect them- 
selves.'" Berkeley's sagacity perceived the danger of allowing discontented men 
to have arms, and he refused. The Indians came nearer and nearer, until labor- 

ians sent a message to Charles, then in Flanders, inviting him to come over and be king of Virginia. 
He had resolved to come, when matters took a turn in England favorable to his restoration. In grati- 
tude to the colonists, he caused the arras of Virginia to be quartered with those of England, Scotland, 
and Ireland, as an independent member of the empire. From this circumstance Virginia received the 
name of The Old Dominion. Coins, with these quarterings, were made as late as 1773. 

1. The first Navigation Act, by the Kepublican Parliament, prohibited foreign vessels trading to the 
English colonies. This was partly to punish the sugar-producing islands of the West Indies, because 
the people were chiefly loyalists. The act of 1660 provided that no goods should be carried to or from 
any English colonies, but in vessels built within the English dominions, whose masters and at least 
three-fourths of the crews were Englishmen : and that sugar, tobacco, and other colonial commodities 
should be imported into no part of Europe, except England and her dominions. The trade between the 
colonies now struggling for prosperous life, was also taxed for the benefit of Englnnd. 

2. In 1673, the king gave to lord Culpepper and the earl of Arlington, two of his profligate favorites, 
" all the dominion of land and water called Virginia,'' for thirtv years. 

3. Verse 8, p. 69. 

4. One of the charges made against the king of England in the Declaration of Independence more than 
a hundred years later, was that he had " made judges dependent on his will alone for the tenure of their 
ottices and the amount and payment of their salaries." 

5. Verse 2, p. 12. 6. Verse 2, p. 17. 7. Verse 5, p. 61. 

8. John Washington, an ancestor of the commander-in-chief of the American armies a century later, 
commanded some troops against an Indian Fort on the Potomac. Some chiefs, who were sent to his 
camp to treat for peace, were treacherously slain, and this excited the fierce resentment of the 
SusqiifJiannahs. 

9. He was born in EnglanJ, educated a lawyer, and in Virginia was a member of the council. He 
was about thirty years of age at that time. 

10. King Philip's war was then ragiug in Massachusetts, and the white people, everywhere, were 
alarmed. See verse 21, p. 92. 






QueMiona. — 17. What did the king do ? 18. What did the Virginia royalists do? What caused rebel- 
lious feelings? 19. What gave the people an excuse for arming? 'What caused an Indian war ? 20. 
What caused an insurrection? and what was done? 



VIKGINIA. 81 

ers on Bacon's plantation, near Richmond, were murdered. That leader then 
yielded to the popular will, and placed himself at the head of four or five hun- 
dred men, to drive back the enemy. Berkeley, jealous of Bacon's popularity, 
proclaimed him a traitor [May, 1676J, and sent troops to arrest him. Some of 
his more timid followers returned, but sterner patriots adhered to his fortunes. 

21. The people generally sympathized with Bacon, and in the lower counties 
they arose in open rebellion. Berkeley was obliged to recall his troops to sup- 
press the insurrection, and in the meanwhile Bacon drove the Indians ' back 
toward the Rappahannock. He was soon afterward elected a burgess,'^ but on 
approaching Jamestown, he was arrested. For fear of the people, who made 
hostile demonstrations, the governor pardoned him and all his followers, and 
hypocritically professed a personal regard for the bold republican leader. 

22. The pressure of popular opinion now compelled Berkeley to yield at all 
points. The long aristocratic Assembly was dissolved ; many abuses were cor- 
rected, and all the privileges formerly enjoyed by the people were restored.3 
Fearing treachery in the capital. Bacon withdrew to the Middle Plantation,* 
where he was joined by three or four hundred armed men from the upper coun- 
ties, and was proclaimed commander-in-chief of the Virginia troops. The gov- 
ernor regarded the movement as rebellious, and refused to sign Bacon's commis- 
sion. The patriot marched to Jamestown, and demanded it without delay. The 
frightened governor speedily complied [July 4, 1676], and, concealing his anger, 
he also, on compulsion, signed a letter to the king, highly commending the acts 
and motives of the " traitor." The Assembly also gave him the commission of a 
general of a thousand men. 

23. On receiving his commission, Bacon marched against the Pamunkey 
Indians.5 When he had gone, Berkeley crossed the York river, and at Glouces- 
ter he summoned a convention of Royalists. All the proceedings of the Repub- 
lican Assembly were reversed, and, contrary to the advice of his friends, the 
governor again proclaimed Bacon a traitor [July 29, 1676]. The indignation of 
the patriot leader was fiercely kindled, and, marching back to Jamestown, he 
lighted up a civil war. The property of Royahsts was confiscated, their wives 
were seized as hostages, and their plantations were desolated. Berkeley fled to 
the eastern shore of the Chesapeake. Bacon proclaimed his abdication, and, dis- 
missing the Republican troops, called an Assembly in his own name, and was 
about to cast off all allegiance to the English Crown, when intelligence was 
received of the arrival of imperial troops to quell the rebellion.^ 

24. Berkeley, with some Royalists and English sailors under major Robert 
Beverly, now [Sept. 7] returned to Jamestown. Bacon collected his troops, 
and drove the governor down the James river. Informed that a large body 
of Royahsts and imperial troops were approaching, the Republicans applied tho 



1. Verse 19, p. 80. . , ,. j ,, 

2. The chief leaders of the republican party at the capital, were William Drummond, who had been 
governor of North Carolina [verse 2, p. 71], and colonel Richard Lawrence. 

3. This event was the planting of one of the most vigorous and fruitful germs of American national- 
ity. It was the first bending of power to the boldly-expressed will of the people. 

4. Williamsburg, four miles from Jamestown, and midway between the York and James rivers, was 
then called the Middle Plantation. After the accession of William and Mary [see verse 33, p. 96], a town 
was laid out in the form of the ciphers WM., and was named Williamsburg. Governor Nicholson made 
it the capital of the province in 1698. . 

5. This was a small tribe on the Pamunkey river, one of the chief tributaries of the York river. 

6. This was an error. The fleet sent with troops to quell the insurrection, did not arrive until April 
the following year, when all was over. Colonel Jeffreys, the successor of Berkeley, came with the 
fleet. 



Questions.— 2\. How did the rebellion progress ? 22. What did the people gain ? What more can yon 
tellof the rebellion and of Bacon? 23. What did Berkeley do ? What favored him? What occurred at 
Jamestown? 

4* 




82 COLONIES. 

torch [Sept. 30] just as the night shadows came 
over the village.' When the sun arose on the fol- 
lowing morning, the first town built by English- 
men in America,- was a heap of smoking ruins. 
Nothing remained standing but a few chimneys, 
and that old church tower, ^ wdiich now attracts 
the eye and heart of the voyager upon the bosom 
of the James river. 

25. Leaving the site of Jamestown, Bacon pressed 
forward with his little army toward the York, de- 
:'-^rs'^w^^^iSL. ^ termined to drive the Royalists from Virginia. But 
^RCH towerT he was smitten by a deadlier foe than armed men. 

The malaria of the marshes at Jamestown had poi- 
soned his veins, and he died [Oct. IL 1676] of malignant fever, on the north 
bank of the York. There was no man to receive the mantle of his ability and 
influence, and his departure was a death-blow to the cause he had espoused. 
His friends and followers made but feeble resistance, and before the first of No- 
vember, Berkeley returned to the Middle Plantation ^ in triumph. 

26. Recent events had rendered the haughty temper of the governor irrasci- 
ble, and he signalized his restoration to power by acts of wanton cruelty. 
Twenty-two of the insurgent leaders had been hanged, ^ when the more merciful 
Assembly implored him to shed no more blood. But he continued fines, impris- 
onments, and confiscations, and ruled with an iron hand and a stony heart until 
recalled by the King [April, 1677], who became disgusted with his cruel con- 
duct."^ There was no printing press in Virginia to record current history,''' and 
for a hundred years the narratives of Royalists gave hue to the whole affair. 
Bacon was alwaj^s regarded as a traitor, and the effort to establish a free gov- 
ernment is known in history as Bacon's Rebellion. Such, also, would have 
been the verdict of history, had Washington and his compatriots been unsuc- 
cessful. Too often success is accounted a virtue, but failure^ a crime. 

27. The effects of these civil commotions were felt for many years. The peo- 
ple were borne down by the petty tyranny of royal rulers, yet the principles of 
republicanism grew apace. The popular Assembly became winnowed of its aris- 
tocratic elements ; and, notwithstanding royal troops were quartered in Virginia.*^ 
to overawe the people, the burgesses w^ere always firm in the maintenance of 



L Besides the church and court house, Jamestown contained sixteen or eighteen houses, built of 
brick, and quite commodious, and a large number of humble log cabins. 

2. Verse 10, p. 4". 

3. The church, of which the brick tower alone remains, was built about 1620. It was probably the 
third church erected in Jamestown. The ruin is now [1854] a few rods from the encroaching bank of 
the river, and is about thirty feet in height. The engraving is a correct representation of its present ap- 
pearance. In the grave-yard adjoining are fragments of several monuments. 

4. Note 4, p. 81. 

5. The first man executed was Colonel Hansford. He has been justly termed the first martyr in the 
cause of liberty in America. Drummond and Lawrence were also executed. Thej' were considered 
ringleaders and the prime instigators of the rebellion. 

6. Charles said, " The old fool has taken more lives in that naked country than I have taken for the 
murder of my father." 

7. Berkeley was an enemy to popular enlightenment. He said to commissioners sent from England in 
1671, "Thank God there are no free schools nor printing press; and I hope we shall not have these 
hundred years ; for learning has brought disobedience, and heresy, and sects into the world, and print- 
ing has divulged these, and libels against the best government." Despots are always afraid of the 
printing press, for it is the most destrnctive foe of tyranny. 

8. These troops were under the command of a wise veteran, Sir Heni-y Ghicheley, who managed with 
prudence. They proved a source of much discontent, because their subsistence was drawn from the 
planters. For tiie same cause, disturbances occurred in New York ninety years afterward. Verse 16, 
page 164. 

Quesiiom. — 25. What calamity befel the patriots? 26. What temper did the governor show? and how? 
How was Bacon long regarded"? 27. What were the effects of these commotions ? How did the people 
assert their dignity ? 



VIRGINIA. 83 

popular rights.^ In reply to governor Jeffreys, ^vhen he appealed to the author- 
ity of the Great Seal of England, in defence of liis arbitrary act in seizing tlie 
books and papers of the Assembly, the burgesses said, "that such a breach of 
privilege could not be coniaianded under the Great Seal, because they could not 
find that any king of England had ever done so in former times." The king 
commanded the governor to "signify his majestv's indignation at language so 
seditious;" but the burgesses were as indifibrent to royal frowns, as they were 
to the governor's menaces. 

28. Lord Culpepper, who, under the grant of 16T3,'2 had been appointed gov- 
ernor for life [1677], arrived in 1680. His profligacy and rapacity disgusted the 
people. Discontents ripened into insurrections, and the blood of patriots again 
flowed.3 At length the king became incensed against Culpepper, revoked his 
grant' [1684], and deprived him of office. Yet Eflln^'h'^-i) ^^is successor, was 
erjually rapacious, and the people were on the eve of a general rebellion, when 
king Charles died, and his brother James^ was proclaimed [Feb. 1685] his suc- 
cessor, with the title of James the Second. 

29. The people hoped for benefit by the change, but their burdens were 
increased. Again the wave of rebellion was rising high, when the revolution of 
1688^ placed William of Orange and his wife Mary upon the throne. Then a 
real change for the better took place. That event, wrought out by the people, 
infased a conservative principle into the workings of the English constitution. 
The popular will, expressed by Parliament, became potential ; and the personal 
character, or caprices of the monarch, had comparatively little influence upon 
legislation. This potency of the National Assembly was extended to similar 
colonial organizations. The jDOwers of governors were defined, and the rights of 
the people were understood. Bad men often exercised authority in the colonies, 
but it was in subordination to the English constitution; and, notwithstanding 
commercial restrictions bore heavily upon the enterprise of the colonies, the dif- 
fusion of just political ideas, and the growth of free institutions in America, 
were rapid and healthful. 

30. The history of Yirginia from the revolution of 1688, down to the com- 
mencement of the French and Indian war, is the history of the steady, quiet 
progress of an industrious people, and presents no prominent events of interest 
to the general reader.''' 

1. Verse 4, p. 76. 2. Note 2, p. SO. 

3. By the king^'s order, Culpepper caused several of the insurgents, who were men of influence, to be 
hanged, and a "'reign of teror," miscalled tranquiUity, followed. 

4. Arlingcon [note 2, p. 80] had already dispo:sed of his interest in the grant to Culpepper. 

5. James, duke of York, to whom Charles gave the New Netherlands in 1664. See verse 12, p. 107. 

6. James the Second, by his bigotry (he was a Roman Catholic), tyranny and oppression, rendered him- 
mself hateful to his STibjects. William, Prince of Orange, Stadtholder of Holland, who had married Mary, 
a Protestant daughter of James and his eldest child, was invited by the incensed people to come to the 
English th-.one. • He came wiih Dutch troops, and landed at Torbay on the 5th of November, 1688. 
James was deserted by his soldiers, and he and his family sought safety in flight. William and Mary 
wei e proclaimed joint monarchs of FIngland on the l.^th of February, 1689. This act consummated that 
revolution which Voltaire styled " the era of English liberty."' 

7. The population at tliat time was about 50,000, of whom one half were slaves. The tobacco trade 
had become very important, the exports to England and Ireland being about 30,000 hogsheads that year. 
Almo.st 100 vessels annually came from those countries to Virginia for tobacco. A powerful militia of 
almost 9,000 men was organized, and they no longer feared their dusky neighbors. The militia became 
expert in the use of fiie arms in the woods, and back to this period the Virginia rifleman may look for 
the foundation of his fame as a marksman. The province contained 22 counties, and 48 parishes, with a 
church and clergyman in each, and a great deal of glebe land. But there was no printing press nor 
book store in the colony. A press was first established in the colony in 1729. 



Quextionx. — 2R. Wliat was the character of Culpepper ? What bad rulers were in Virginia ? 29. What 
caused a real change for the better "? How did it operate ? 30. What more of Virginia history ? 



84 COLONIES. 

SECTION II. 

MASSACHUSETTS. [162 0]. 

1. " Welcome, Englishmen I Welcome, Englishmen 1 " were the first words 
which the Pilgrim Fathers^ heard from the lips of a son of the American forest. 
It was the voice of Samoset, a Wampanoag chiefj who had learned a few Eng- 
lish words of fishermen at Penobscot. His brethren had hovered around the 
little community of sufterers at New Plymouth'^ for a hundred days, when he 
boldly approached [March 26, 1621] and gave the friendly salutation. He told 
them to possess the land, for the occupants had nearlj^ all been swept away by 
a pestilence. The Pilgrims thanked God for thus making their seat more se- 
cure, for they feared the hostitity of the Aborigines. 

2. When Samoset again appeared, he was accompanied by Squanto,^ a chief 
who had recently returned from captivity in Spain ; and they informed the white 
people of Massasoit the grand Sachem of the Wampanoags. then residing at 
Mount Hope. An interview was planned. The old sachem came with barbaric 
pomp,^ and he and governor Carver^ smoked the calumet^ together. A pre- 
liminary treaty of friendship and alliance was formed [April 1, 1621], which re- 
mained unbroken for fifty jqqxsJ Massasoit rejoiced at his good fortune, for 
Canonicus, the head of the powerful Narragansets,^ was his enemy, and ho 
needed strength. 

3. Governor Carver died [April 3] three days after this interview. William 
Bradford.^ the earliest liistorian of the colony, was appointed his successor. He 
was a wise and prudent man, and for thirty years he managed the public affairs 
of the colony with great sagacity. The settlers endured great trials during the 
first four years of their sojourn. They were barely saved from starvation in the 
autumn of 1621, by a scanty crop of Indian corn."^ In November of that year, 
thirty-five emigrants (some of them thehr weak brethren of the Speedivellf^ joined 
them, and increased their destitution. Tlae winter was severe, and produced 
great suffering ; and the colonists were kept in continual fear by the menaces of 
Canonicus, the great chief of the Narragansets, who regarded the English as 
intruders. Bradford acted wisely with the chief, ^^ and soon made him sue for 

I. Verse 10, p. 57. 2. Verse 12, p. 58. 3. Verse 2, p. 54. 

4. Massasoit approached -with a guard of sixty wairiors, and took post upon a neighboring hill. There 
he sat in stale, and received Edward Winslow as ambassador from the English. Leaving Winslow with 
his warriors as security for his own safety, the Sachem went into New Plymouth, and treated with 
Governor Carver. Note 6, p. 10. 

5. Verse 11, p. 58. 6. Verse 10, p. 10. 7. Verse 22, p. 92. 8. Verse 15, p. 16. 

9. Born at Ansterfield, in the north of England, in 1588. He followed Rohinson to Holland ; came to 
America in the Ma;/ Floicer [verse 11, p. 57] ; and was annually elected governor of the colony from 1621 
until his death in 1657- 

10. While Captain Miles Standishand others were seeking a place to land [verse 12, p. 58], they fonnd 
some maize, or Indian corn, in one of the deserted huts of the savages. Afterward, Samoset and others 
taught them how to cultivate the grain (then unknown in Europe), and this supply serving for seed, 
providentially saved them from starvation. The grain now first received the name of Indian corn. 
Early in September [1621], an exploring party, under Standish, coasted northward to Shawmut, the site 
of Boston, where they found a few Indians. The place was delightful, and for a while, the Pilgrims 
thought of removing thither. 

II. Verse 11, p. 57. 

12. Canonicus dwelt upon Connanicut Island, opposite Newport. In token of his contempt and defi- 
ance of the English, he sent [Feb. 1622] a bundle of arrows, wrapped in a rattlesnake's skin, to gov- 
ernor Bradford. Tne governor accepted the hostile challenge, and then returned the skin, filled with 
powder and shot. These substances were new to the savages. They regarded them with superstitious 
awe, as possessing some evil influence. They were sent from village to village, and excited general 
alarm. The pride of Canonicus was humbled, and he sued for peace. 



Que^sHons. — 1. How were the Pilgrim Fathers received? How was tranquility secured to them? 2. 
Who else visited them? What was the result of an interview with Massasoit? 3. What changes took 
place in the government of the colony? What occurred during the first four years after settlement? 
How did Cationicus regard the English? 



MASSACHUSETTS. 86 

peace.' The hatred of the wily Indian was not subdued, but he was compelled 
to be a passive friend of the English. 

4. In July following [1622], sixty-three more emigrants arrived. They had 
beei»sent by Weston, a wealthy, dissatisfied member of the Plymouth Company, 2 
to plant a new colony. Many of them were idle and dissolute ;■* and after living 
upon the slender means of the Plymouth people for several weeks, they went to 
Wissagusset (now Weymouth), to commence a settlement. Their improvidence 
produced a famme ; and they exasperated the Indians by begging and stealing 
supplies for their wants. A plot was devised for their destruction, but through 
the agency of Massasoit,^ it was revealed [March, 1623] to the Plymouth people ; 
and Captain Miles Standish, with eight men, hastened to Wissagusset in time to 
avert the blow. A chief and several warriors were killed in a battle ;5 and so 
terrified were the surrounding tribes b)' the event, that several chiefs soon ap- 
peared at Plymouth to crave the friendship of the English. The settlement at 
Wissagusset was broken up, and most of the emigrants returned to England. 

5. The partnership of merchants and colonists^' was an unprofitable specula- 
tion for all. The community system''' operated unfavorably upon the industry 
and thrift of the colony, and the merchants had few or no returns for their in- 
vestments. Ill feelings were created by mutual criminations, and the capitalists 
commenced a series of annoyances to force the workers into a dissolution of 
the league.^ The partnership continued, however, during the prescribed term 
of seven years, and then [1627] the colonists purchased the interest of the Lon- 
don merchants for nine thousand dollars. Becoming sole proprietors of the soil, 
they divided the whole property equally, and to each man was assigned twenty 
acres of land in fee. New incentives to industry followed, and the blessings of 
plenty, even upon that unfruitful soil, rewarded them all.^ 

6. The government of the colony now became slightly changed. The only 
officers, at first, were a governor and an assistant. In 1624, five assistants were 
chosen; and in 1630, when the colony numbered almost five hundred souls, 
seven assistants were elected. This pure democracy prevailed, both in Church 
and State, for almost nineteen years, when a representative government was in- 
stituted [1639], and a pastor chosen as spiritual guide.i'J 

1. His example was followed by several chiefs. 

2. Verse 7, p. 46. , . ^ ,, 

3. There were quite a number of indentured servants, and men of no character ; a population wholly 
■unlit to found an independent State. 

4. In gratitude for attentions and medicine during a severe illness, Massasoit revealed the plot to 
Edward Winslow a few days before the time appointed to strike the blow. 

5. Standish carried the chiefs head in triumph to Plymouth. It was borne upon a pole, and was 
placed upon the palisades [note 2, p. 94.] of the little fort which had just been erected. The good Rob- 
iuson [verse 9, p. 57], when he heard of it, wrote, " Oh, how happy a thing it would have been, that 
you had converted some before you killed any." 

6. Verse 10, p. 57. 7- Note 5, p. 57. 

8. The merchants refused Mr. Robinson a passage to America ; attempted to force a minister upon the 
colonists who was friendly to the established Church, and even sent vessels to interfere with the infant 
commerce of the settlers. 

9. The colonists unsuccessfully tried the cultivation of tobacco. They raised enough grain and vege- 
tables for their own consumption, and relied upon traffic in furs with the Indians, for obtaining tho 
means of paying for cloths, implements, Ac, from England. In 1627, they made the first step toward 
the establishment of the cod fishery, since become so important, by constructing a salt work, and curing 
some fish. In 1624, Edward Winslow imported three cows and a bull, and soon those invaluable animals 
became numerous in the colony. 

10. The colonists considered" Robinson ("who was yet in Leyden) as their pastor ; and religious exer- 
cises, in the way of prayer and exhortation, were conducted by Elder Brewster and others. On Sun- 
day afternoons a question would be propounded, to which all had a right to speak. Even after they 
adopted the plan of having a pastor, the people were so democratic in religious matters, that a minister 
did not remain long at Plymouth. The doctrine of "private judgment" was put in full Practice ; and 
the religious meetings were often the arena of intemperate debate and confusion. In 1629, thirty-iive 



Questions. — i. What was the character of other emigrants who arrived? What did they attempt? 
What was the result? 5. How did the colonists and the Plymouth Company agree? What happy 
change and resuUs took place? 6. Whatchange was made in the government of the colony? What 
change in their religious organization ? 



80 



COLONIES. 




*J. King James died in the Spring of 1625; and his son and successor, Charles 
the First, inherited his father's hatred of the Noncomformists/ J^any of their 
ministers w^ere silenced during the first j-ears of his reign, and the uneasiness of 
the great body of Nonconformists daily increased. Already, AVhite, a Puritan 
minister of Dorchester, in the west of England, had persuaded several influential 
men of that city to attempt the establishment of a new asylum for the op- 
pressed, in America. Thc}^ chose the rocky promontory of Cape Anne for the 
purpose [1624], intending to connect the settlement with the fishing business; 
but the enterprise proved to be more expensive than profitable, and it was 
abandoned. A few years afterward, a company purchased a tract of land 
[}.Iarch 29, 1628] defined as being "three miles north 
of any and every part of the Merrimac Eiver," and 
" three miles south of any and every part of the 
Charlo Eiver," and westward to the Pacific Ocean. 2 
In the Summer of 1628, John Endicot, and a hundred 
emigrants came over, and at Naumkeag (now Salem), 
they laid the foundations of the Colony of Massachusttts 
Bay. The proprietors received a charter from the 
kmg the following year [March 14, 1629], and they 
were incorporated by the name of "The Governor 
and Company of the Massachusetts Bay in New Eng- 
land."3 

8. The new colon;^ increased rapidly, and soon 
began to spread. In July, 1629, "three godly 
ministers " (Skelton, Higginson and Bright), came 
with two hundred settlers, and a part of them 
laid the foundations of Charlestown, at Mishatcm. 
On the first of September, the members of the 
company, at a meetmg in Cambridge, England, 
signed an agreement to transfer the charter and 
government to the colonists. It was a wise and 
benevolent conclusion, for men of fortune and 
intelligence immediately prepared to emigrate 
when such a democracy should be established, 
John "Winthrop^ and others, with about three 
hundred families, arrived at Salem, in July [1630] 
following. Winthrop had been chosen governor before his departure, with 
Thomas Dudley, for deputy, and a council of eighteen. The new emigrants 
located at, and named Dorchester, Roxbury, "Watertown, and Cambridge ; and 
during the Summer, the governor and some of the leading men, hearing of a 



FIRST COLONY SEAL. 




JOHN WI>"THliOP. 



persons, the remainder of Eobinson's congregation at Leyden, joined the Pilgrims at Plymouth, among 
whom was Robinson's family ; but the good man never saw New England himself. 

1. Note 5, p. 56. 

2. This was purchased from the Council of Plymouth. The chief men of the company were John 
Humphrev (brother-in-law to the Earl of liincoln), John Endicot, Sir H^nry Roswell, Sir John Young, 
Thomas Southcoote, Simon Whitcomb, John Wiuihrop, Thomas Dudley, Sir Richard Sallonstall, and 
others. Eminent men in New England afterward became interested in the enterprise. 

3. The administration of affairs was intrusted to a governor, deputy, and eighteen assistants, who 
were to be elected annually by the stockholders of the corporation. A general assembly of the freemen 
of the colonv was to be held at least four times a year, to legislate for the colony. The king claimed 
no jurisdiction, for he regarded the whole matter as a trading operation, not as the founding of an em- 
pire. The instrument conferred on the colonists all the rights of English subjects, and afterward be- 
came the text for manv powerful discourses against the usurpations of royalty. 

4. Born in Enehind in 155S. He was one of the most active men in New England from 1630 until his 
death in 16i9. His journal was published. 



Questions^. — 7. What occurred in England on the death of King James? What new settlement was 
tmsuccessfully attempted ? What one was successful ? 8. What progress did the colony of Massachu- 
setts Bay make? What led to the founding of the city of Boston ? 



MASSACHUSETTS. 87 

spring of excellent water on the peninsula of Shatvmtd,^ went there, erected 
a few cottages, and founded Boston, the future metropolis of Xew England.^ 
The peninsula was composed of three hills, and for a long time it was called 
Tri-Mountaix.^ 

9. Many of the settlers, accustomed to ease and luxury in England, suffered 
much, and before December, two hundred were in their graves.-* Yet the sur- 
vivors were not disheartened, and during the winter of intense suffering which 
followed, tliey applied themselves diligently to the business of founding a State. 
In May, 1631, it was agreed at a general assembly of the people, that all the 
officers of government should thereafter be chosen by the freemen"^ of the colony ; 
and in 1634. the pure democracy was changed to a representative government, 
the second in America.^ The colony flourished. Chiefs from the Indian tribes 
dined at Governor Winthrop's table, and made covenants of peace and friend- 
ship with the English. Winthrop journe3'ed on foot to exchange courtesies with 
Bradford at Plymouth;" a friendly salutation came from the Dutch in Xew 
Isetherland,"^ and a ship from Virginia, laden with corn [May, 1632], sailed 
into Boston harbor. A bright future was dawning. 

10. The Puritans,^ victims of intolerance, were, themselves, equally intolerant, 
when clothed with power. Their ideas of civil and religious freedom were 
narrow, and their practical interpretation of the Golden Rule, was contrary to the 
intentions of Him who uttered it. Yet they were honest and true men ; and out 
of their love of freedom, and jealousy of their inherent rights, grew their intol- 
erance. They regarded Churchmen and Roman Catholics as their deadly ene- 
mies, to be kept at a distance.'" A wise caution dictated this course. A con- 
sideration of the prevailing spirit of the age, when bigotry assumed the seat of 
justice, and superstition was the counsellor and guide of leading men, should 
cause us to 

"Be to their faults a little blind, 
And to their virtues, very kind." 

11. Among those who first felt the power of Puritan intolerance, was Roger 
TVilliams," himself a Puritan minister, and victim of persecution in England, 
He was chosen minister at Salem [1634], and his more enlightened views, freely 
expressed, soon aroused the civil authorities against him. He denied the right 
of civil magistrates to control the consciences of the people, or to withhold their 

-protection from any religious sect whatever. He denied the right of the king 

1. Note 10, p. 84. 

2. The -whole company tinder Winthrop intended to join the settlers at Charlestown, hut a prevailing 
sickness there, attributed to unwholesome water, caused them to locale elsewhere. The fine spring of 
water which gushed from one of the three hills of Shaumut, was regarded with great favor. 

3. From this is derived the word Tremont. 

4. Among these was Higginson, Isaac Johnston (a principal leader in the enterprise, and the wealthiest 
of the founders of Boston), and his wife, the " Ladj- Arabella," a daughter of the earl of Lincoln. She 
died at Salem, and her husband did not long survive her. 

5. None were considered freemen, unless they were members of some church within the colony. 
From the beginning, the closest intimacy existed be' ween the Church ai'.d State in Massachusetts, and 
that intimacv gave rise to a great many disorders. This provision was repealed in 1665. 

6. Verses 26-27, p. 52. 7. Verse 3, p. 84. 8 Verse 4, p. 53. 

9. Verse 6, p. 56. 

10. Lyford, who was sent out to the PUgrima, by the London partners, as their minister, was refused 
and expelled, because he was friendly to the Church of England. John and Samuel Browne, residents 
at Salem, and members of Endicot's Council, were arrested by him, and sent to England as " factious 
and evil-conditioned persons," because they insisted upon the use of the Liturgy, or printed forms of the 
English church, in their worship. 

11. Verse 2, p. 66. 



QuefHoruo. — 9. How did the settlers of Massachusetts suffer? What new change was made in the govern- 
ment? -What good omens appeared? 10. What was the general character of the New England Puri- 
tans? 11. Who first felt the force of intolerance in Massachusetts ? What were the teachings of Roger 
Williams ? What their results ? 



88 COLONIES. 

to require an oath of allegiance from the colonists ; and even contended that 
obedience to magistrates ought not to be enforced. He denounced the charter 
from the king as invalid, because he had given to the white people the lands of 
other owners, the Indians.^ These doctrines and others more theological'^ he 
maintained with vehemence, and soon the colony became a scene of great com- 
motion. He was remonstrated with by the elders, warned by the magistrates, 
and finally, refusing to cease what was deemed seditious preaching, he was 
banished [November 1635] from the colony. In the dead of Winter he depart- 
ed [January 1636] for the wilderness, and became the founder of Ehode 
Island. 3 

12. During 1635, full three thousand new settlers came, among whom were 
men of wealth and influence. The most distinguished were Hugh Peters,^ (an 
eloquent preacher), and Henry Vane, an enthusiastic young man of twenty-five. 
In 1636, Vane was elected governor, an event which indirectly proved disas- 
trous to the peace of the colony. The banishment of Roger Williams had 
awakened bitter religious dissensions, and the minds of the people were prepared 
to listen to any new teacher. As at Plymouth, so in the Massachusetts Bay 
Colony, rehgious questions were debated at these meetings.-^ Women were not 
allowed to engage in these debates, and some deemed this an abridgment of 
their rights. Among these was Anne Hutchinson, an able and eloquent 
woman, who established meetings at her own house, for her sex, and there she 
promulgated peculiar views, which some of the magistrates and ministers pro- 
nounced seditious and heretical.^ These views were embraced by governor 
Vane, several magistrates, and a majority of the leading men of Boston.^ Win- 
throp and others opposed them, and in the midst of great excitement, a synod 
was called, the doctrines of Mrs. Hutchinson were condemned, and she and her 
family were first imprisoned in Boston, and then banished [August 1637] 
from the colony.^ Vane lost his popularity, and fliiling to be elected the follow- 
ing year, he returned to England.^ Some of Mrs. Hutchinson's followers left 
the colony, and established settlements on Rhode Island.'" 

13. The result of the Pequod war, '* was favorable to the security of the colony, 
and it flourished amazingly. Persecution gave it sustenance. The non-conform- 

1. Verse 15, p. 16. This was not strictly true, for, until king Philip's war [verse , p. .] in 1675, 
not a foot of ground was occupied by the New England colonists, " on any ottier score but that of fair 
purchase." — Dr. Dwight. 

2. He maintained that an oath should not be tendered to an unconverted person, and that no Christian 
could lawfully pray with such an one, though it were a wife or child ! In the intemperance of his zeal, 
Williams often exhibited intolerance himself, and at this day would be called a bigot. Yet his tolerant 
teachings in general had a most salutary effect upon Puritan exclusiveness. 

3. Verse 2, p. 66. 

4. Peters afterward returned to England, was very active in public affairs during the civil war,_ and 
and on the accession of Charles the Second, was found guilty of favoring the death of the king'.s 
father, and was executed in October 1660. 

5. Note 10, p. 85. 

6. She taught that, as the Holy Spirit dwells in every believer, its revelations are superior to tha 
teachings of men. It was the doctrine of " private judgment," in its fullest extent. She taught that 
every person had a right to judge of the soundness of a minister's teaching, and this was considered 
"rebellion against the clergy." She taught the doctrine of Election, and avered that the elect saints 
were sure of tlieir salvation, liowever vicious their lives might be. 

7. Her brother, Rev. John Wheelwright, was an eloquent expounder of her views. The theological 
question assumed a political phase, and for a long time influenced the public affairs of the colony. 

8. Mrs. Hutchinson and her family took refuge within the Dutch domain, near the present village 
of New Rochelle, in New York. There she and all her family, except a daughter, were murdered by 
the Indians. Note , p. . 

9. Vane was a son of the Secretary of State of Charles the First. He was a republican during the 
civil war [note 10, p. 78], and for this, Charles the Second had him beheaded in June 1662. 

10. Verse 6, p. 66. 11. Verse 12, p. 64. 



Qwe.««ton.5.— 12. What was the character of settlers who came in 16.S5? What was the religions condi- 
tion of the colony? What new doctrines were promulgated, and by whom? What was the result? 
13. What fostered the growth of the colony? What did the Church and the State do? What strength- 
ening measures did the colony adopt ? What caused persecution to cease ? 



MASSACHUSETTS. 89 

ists in the mother country suffered more and more, and hundreds fled to New 
England. The Church and the Government became alarmed at the rapid 
growth of a colony, so opposed, in its feelings and laws, to the character of 
both. Efforts v/ere put forth to stay the tide of emigration. As early as 1633, 
a proclamation for that purpose had been published, but not enforced ; and a 
fleet of eight vessels, bearing some of the purest patriots of the realm, was de- 
tained in the Thames [Feb. 1634], by order of the Privy council.' Believing 
that the colonists "aimed not at new discipline, but at sovereignty," a demand 
was made for a surrender of the patent to the king.2 The people were silent, 
but firm. When a rumor reached them [September 18, 1634] that an arbitrary 
commission,^ and a general governor was appointed for all the Enghsh colonies 
in America, the Massachusetts people, poor as they were, raised three thousand 
dollars to build fortifications for resistance. Even a quo warranto [April 1638],'* 
did not affect either their resolution or their condition. Strong in their integrity, 
they continued to strengthen their new State by fostering education, ^ the '' cheap 
defence of nations," and by other wise appliances of vigorous efforts. The civil 
war^ which speedily involved the Church and the Throne in disaster, withdrew 
the attention of the persecutors from the persecuted. The hope of better times 
at home checked immigration, and thereafter the colony received but small ac- 
cessions to its population, from the mother country. 

14. The struggling colonists of New England were united by ties of interest 
and the warmest sympathy. Natives of the same country, — the offspring of 
persecution, — alike exposed to the weapons of hostile Indians and the depreda- 
tions of the Dutch and French, ^ — and alike menaced with punishment by the 
parent government, they were as one people. They were now [1643] more 
than twenty thousand in number, and fifty villages had been planted by them. 
The civil war in England ^ threatened a total subversion of the government, and 
the Puritans began to reflect on the estabhshment of an independent nation east- 
ward of the Dutch dominions.^ 

15. An union of the New England colonies was proposed [163T] at the close 
of the Pequod War. It was not consummated until 1643, when the colonies of 
Plymouth,'" Massachusetts," Connecticut and New Haven, ''^ confederated for 
mutual welfare. Rhode Island asked for admittance into the Union [1648], 
l)ut was refused, 13 unless it would acknowledge the authority of Plymouth. 
Local jurisdiction was jealously reserved by each colony, and the doctrine of 



1. [Verse 3, p. 62.] It was asserted and is believed, that Oliver Cromwell and John Hampden were 
amoiipr the passengers. There is no positive evidence that such was the far-t. 

2. The general patent for New England, was surrendered bj' the council of Plymouth in June, 16S5, 
■without consulting the colonists. The inflexible courage of the latter prevented the evil that might have 
ensued by this faithless act of a company which had made extensive grants, and they firmly held the 
charter given to them by the king. 

3. The archbishop of Canterbury, and associates, received full power to establish governments and 
laws over the American settlements ; to regulate religious matters ; inflict punishments, and even to re- 
voke charters. 

4. Note 1, p. 78. 

5. In 1636 the General Court at Boston appropriated two thousand dollars for the establishment of a 
college. In 1638 Kev. John Harvard bequeathed more than three thousand dollars to the institution 
which was then located at Cambridge, and it received the name of " Harvard College," now one of the 
first Seminaries of learning in the United States. In 1647 a law was passed, requiring every township, 
which contained fifty householders, to have a school-house and employ a teacher ; aud each town, con- 
taining one thousand freeholders, should have a grammar-school. 

6. Note 10, p. 78. 

7. The Dutch of New Netherlands [v. 4, p. 531, still claimed jurisdiction upon the Connecticut 
river, and the French settlers in Acadie, eastward of New England, were becoming troublesome to the 
Puritans. 

8. Note 10, p. 78. 9. Verse 4, p. 53. 10. Verse 12, p. 58. 
11. Verse 7, p. 86. 12. Verse 14, p. 65. 13. Verse 6, p. 67. 



Questions. — 14. What circumstances made the New England colonies united In interest ? 15. What 
confederation was established ? What was the nature of its government ? 



90 COLONIES. 

State Ri^^hts was thus early practically develCped. It was a confederacy of 
independent States like our Union. The general affairs of the confederacy were 
managed by a board of commissioners, consisting of two church-members from 
each colony, who were to meet annually, or oftener if required. Their duty was 
to consider circumstances, and recommend measures for the general good. 
They had no executive power. Their propositions were considered and acted 
upon by the several colonies, each assuming an independent sovereignty. This 
confederacy remained unmolested more than forty years' [1643—1686], during 
which time the government of England was changed three times. 

16. Massachusetts was always the leading colony of New England, and 
assumed to be a " perfect republic." After the Union, a legislative change took 
place. The representatives had hitherto held their sessions in the same room 
with the governor and council ; now they convened in a separate apartment ; 
and the distinct House of Representatives, or democratic branch of the legislature, 
stiU existing in our Federal and State Governments, was established in 1644. 

17. Unlike Virginia,- the colonists sympathized with the English republicans 
in their efforts to abolish royalty. Ardently attached to the Parliament, they 
found in Cromwell,^ when he assumed supreme authority, a sincere friend and 

protector of their liberties. No longer 

^^4Mi,5«505:,„^ annoyed by the frowns and menaces 

?ff<^ B^(r^''%> of royalty, the energies of the people 

'ri!i],^»t'W»K3^^^\ were rapidly developed, and profitable 

T^^ ^ S 2,¥'55?'l commerce was created between Massa- 

^'~-'|'^^^7T7^f ic^i chusetts and the West Indies. This 

,'^j%'^'^", Ji gc^i trade brouo-ht bullion^ into the colonv: 



%^%f^ ^ i^^- trade brought bullion^ into the colony; 
\,''<S'^ooMw3f^''(^^ and in 1652, the authorities exercised 
''% xT'ill, \' °^^<r a prerogative of independent sover- 
Hoo,„«»»'>'''''' eignty, by establishing a mint, and 

FIRST MONEY COINED IN THE UNITED STATES. coiuing sllvcr moncy,-^ tlio first within. 

the territory of the United States. 
During the same year, settlements in the present State of Maine, imitating the 
act of those of New Hampshire ^ eleven years earlier [1641], came under the 
jurisdiction of Massachusetts. 

18. An important element of trouble and perplexity was now introduced. 
There arrived at Boston [July, 1650], two zealous reUgious women." called 
Quakers. This was a sect recently evolved from the heaving masses of English 
society,'^ claiming to be more rigid Puritans than all who had preceded them. 
Letters unfavorable to the sect had been received in the colony, and the two 

1. When James the Secon'l came to the throne, the charters of all the colonies were taken away, or 
suspended. When local goveramenls were re-established afier the revolution of 16bS, theie no longer 
existed a necessitj- for the Union, and the confederacy dissolved. 

2. Verse 13, p. 79. 3. Note 10, p. 78. 

4. Uncoined gold and silver. 

5. In October, 1651, the general conrt or legislature of Massachusetts ordered silver coins of the 
values of threepence, sixpence, and a shilling ste. ling, to be made. The mint -master was allowed fif- 
teen pence out of every twenty shillings, for his trouble. He made a large fortinie by the business. 
From tlie circumstance that the effigy of a pine-tree was stamped on one side, these coins, now very 
rare, are called pine-tree money. The'date [165J] was not altei ed for thirty years. Massachusetts was 
also the first to issue paper money in the shape of treasury notes, in 1090. [See verse 37, p. 97]. 

6. Verse 3, p. 60. 

7 Mary Fisher and Ann Austin. 

8. The founder of the sect was George Fox, who promulgated his peculiar tenets about 1650. He was 
aman of education and exalted purify of character, and soon learned and influential men becnme his 
co-workers. They still maintain the highest character for morality and practical Christianity. Seo 
note 8, p. 09. 




Quentionx. — 16. What government change took place in Massachusetts after the Union? 17. What 
was the political character of the colonists? What progress did they make during Cromwell's rule? 
13. What sect gave the colonists trouble? What treatment did the Quakers receive? 



MASSACHUSETTS. 91 

women were cast into prison, and confined for several weeks.' With eight 
others who arriv^ed during the year, they were sent back to England.- Othera 
came, and a special act.against the Quakers was put in force [1657], but to no 
purpose. Opposition increased their zeal, and precisely because they were not 
w^luted, the}^ came. They suffered stripes, imprisonments, and general con- 
tempt; and finally, on the recommendation of the Federal Commissioners,^ 
Massachusetts, by a majority of one vote, banished them, on pain of death [1658]. 
Tlie excuse pleaded in extenuation of this barbarous law was, that the Quakers 
preached doctrines dangerous to good government. ^ 

19. The death penalty did not deter the exiles from returning; and many 
others came because they courted the martyr's death and reward. Some were 
hanged, others were publicly whipped, and the prisons were soon filled with 
the persecuted sect. The severity of the law finally caused a strong expression 
of public sentiment against it. Tho Quakers were regarded as true martyrs, and 
the people demanded of the magistrates a cessation of the bloody and barbarous 
punishments. Tiie death penalty was soon [1661] abolished; the fanaticism of 
the magistrates and the Quakers subsided, and a more Christian spirit of tolera- 
tion prevailed. No longer sufferers for opinion's sake, the Quakers turned their 
attention to the Indian tribes, and nobly seconded the efforts of Mahew and 
Eliot in the propagation of the gospel among the pagans of the forest.' 

20. On the restoration of monarchy [1660], the judges who condemned 
Charles the First to the block, were outlawed. Two of them (Wm. Goffe and 
Edward Whalley) fled to America, and were the first to announce at Boston 
the accession of Charles the Second. Orders were sent for their arrest, and 
officers were despatched from England for the same purpose. The colonists 
effectually concealed them, and for this act, and the general sympathy mani- 
fested by New England for the republican party, the king resolved to show 
them no favor. They had been exempt from commercial restrictions during 
Cromwelfs administration; now these were revived, and the stringent pro- 
visions of a new Navigation Act 5 were rigorously enforced. The people vainly 
petitioned for reUef; and, finally, commissioners were sent [.August, 1644] "to 
hear and determine all complaints that might exist in New England, and tako 
such msasures as they might deem expedient for settling the peace and security 
of the country, on a solid foundation."^ 



1. Their trunks were searched, and the religrions books found in them were burned hy the hangman, 
on Boston Common. Suspected of beinj!: witches [note 7, p. 98], their persons were examined in order to 
discover ce.tain ma!-ks which would indicate iheir connection with the Evil One. 

2. Mary Fisher went all the way from London to Adrianople, to carry a divine message to the Sultan. 
She was regarded as insane ; and" as the Moslems respect such people as special favorites of God, Mary 
Fisher was unharmed in the Sultan's dominions. 

3. Verse 15, p. 89. 

4. The Quakers denied all human authority, and regarded the power of magistrates as delegated 
tyranny. They preached parity of life, charily in its broadest sense, and denied the right of any man 
to control the opinions of another. Conscience, or " the light within," was considered a sufficient guide, 
and they deemed it their special mission to denounce "hireling ministers" and "persecuting magis- 
trates," in person. It was this offensive boldness which engendered the violent hatred toward the sect 
in England and America. 

5. .John Eliot has been trulv called the Apostle to the Indians. He began his Ihbors soon after his 
arrival in America, and founded the first church among the savages, at Xatic, in 1660, at which time 
there were ten towns of converted Indians in Massachusetts. Thirty-five years later, it was estimated 
that there were not less than 3,000 adult Christian Indians in the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nan- 
tucket, alone. 

6. Note 1, p. 80. ,„.,,„., 

7. These were colonel Richard NicoUs, Sir Robert Carr, George Cartwright, and Richard Maverick. 
Thev came with a roval fleet, commanded by colonel Nicolls, which had been sent to assert English au- 
thority over the possessions of the Dutch, in New Nctherland. See verse 12, p. 107. 



Q'ifMiom. 19. How were the Quakers punished? What effect did the severe punishments have ? 

20. How did the colonists first hear of the accession of Charles the Second V IIow were they treated by 
the king? For what purpose were commissioners sent? 



92 



COLONIES. 



1 



21. The colonists regarded this measure with indignation, not only as a viola- 
tion of their charters, but as an incipient step toward establishing a system of 
domination, destructive to their liberties. Massachusetts boldly protested 
against the exercise of their authority within her hmits, but at the same time 
asserted her loyalty to the sovereign. The commissioners experienced the 
opposition of the other New England colonies, except Ehode Island, Their acts 
were generally disregarded, and after producing a great deal of irritation, they 
were recalled [1666]. The people of Massachusetts, triumphant in their oppo- 
sition to royal oppression, ever afterward took a front rank in the march toward 
complete freedom. The licentious king and his ministers were too much in love 
with voluptuous ease, to trouble themselves with far off colonies ; and while Old 
England was suffering from bad government, and the puissance of the throne 
was lessening in the estimation of the nations, the colonies flourished in purity, 
peace, and strength, until Metacomet, the son of the good Massasoit, ' kindled a 
most disastrous Indian war, known in history as 

KING PHILIP'S WAR. 

22. "While he lived, Massasoit kept his treaty 
with the Plymouth colony'- faithfully. Meta- 
co7net, or Philip,^ resumed the covenants of 
friendship, and kept them inviolate for a dozen 
years. But as spreading settlements were re- 
ducing his domains acre by acre, breaking up 
his hunting grounds, diminishing his fisheries, 
and menacing his nation with servitude or anni- 
hilation, his patriotism was aroused, and he will- 
ingly listened to the hot young warriors of his 
tribe, who counselled a war of extermination 
against the English. At Mount Hope,^ the seat 
of the chief sachems of the Wajnpanoags, in the 
solitudes of the primeval forests, he planned, 
with consummate skill, an alliance of all the 
New England tribes ^ against the European in- 
truders. 
23. One of tlie "praying Indians" (as the converted ones were called),^ was a 
sort of secretary to Phihp, and, after becoming acquainted with the plans of the 
sachem, he revealed them to the authorities at Plymouth. For this he was slain 
by his countrymen, and three Wampanoags were convicted of his murder, on 
slender testimony, and hanged. The ire of the tribe was fiercely kindled, and 
they thirsted for vengeance. The cautious Philip was overruled by his fiery 

1. Verse 2, p. 84. 2. Verse 2, p. 84. 

3. Massasoit had two sons, whom governor Prince named Alexander and Philip, in compliment to 
their bravery as warriors. Alexander died soon after the decease of his father ; and Philip became 
chief sachem of the Wampanoag.i. 

4. Mount Hope is a conical hill, 300 feet in height, and sitnated on the west side of Mount Hope Bay, 
about two miles from Bristol, Rhode Island. It was called Pokanoket, by the Indians. 

5. The tribes which became involved in this war, numbered, probably, about 25,000. Those along 
the coast of Massachusetts Bay, who had suffered terribly by a pestilence just before the Pilgrims 
came [verse 1, p. 84], had materially increased in numbers : and other tribes, besides the New England 
Jndian.s proper [verse 15, p. 16], became parties to the conflict. 

6. Note 5, p. 91. His name was John Sassamon. He had been educated at Cambridge, Massa- 
chusetts, and was sent as u missionary among the Indians. He was ardently attached to the white 
people. 

Questions. — 21. How did the colonists regard the commissioners and their duties ? In what way did the 
people gain a triumph? What was the relative condition of England and her colonies ? 22. How long 
did Philip keep the covenant made with Massasoit? What causes made him violate it? Vv'hat did ho 
do? 23. What was the immediate cause of war? What, probably, were Philip's feelings and tliose of 
his followers ? 




KING PHILIP. 



MASSACHUSETTS. 93 

young men, and remembering the wrongs and humiliations he had personally re- 
ceived from the EngUsh/ he trampled upon solemn treaties, sent his women and 
children to the Narraganseis for protection, and kindled the flame of war. Ko 
doubt he commenced hostilities contrary to the teachings of his better judgment, 
for he was sagacious enough to foresee failure, " Phrensy prompted their rising. 
It was but the storm in which the ancient inhabitants of the land were to vanish 
away. They rose without hope, and therefore they fought without mercy. To 
them, as a nation, there was no to-morrow."^ 

24. Philip struck the first blow at Swanze}-, thirtj'-five miles south-west from 
Plymouth. The people were just returning from their houses of worship, for it 
was a day of fasting and humiliation [July 4, 1675], in anticipation of hostilities. 
Many were slain and captured, and others fled to the surrounding settlements, 
and aroused the people. The men of Plymouth, joined by those of Boston and 
vicinity, pressed toward Mount Hope. Philip was besieged in a swamp for 
many days, but escaped with most of his warriors, and became a fugitive with 
the Nipmiics,^ an interior tribe of Massachusetts. These espoused his cause, and 
with full fifteen hundred warriors, he hastened toward the white settlements in 
the far off valley of the Connecticut. In the meanwhile the little army of white 
people penetrated the country of the Narragansets,'^ and extorted a treat}' of 
friendship from Canonchet,5 chief sachem of that powerful tribe. 

25. Philip and his followers aroused other tribes, to a war of extermination, 
by the secret and efficient methods of treachery, ambush, and surprise. Men in 
the fields, families in their beds at midnight, and congregations in houses of wor- 
ship, were attacked and massacred. The Indians hung like the scythe of death 
upon the borders of the English settlements, and for several months a gloomy 
apprehension of the extermination of the whole European population in New 
England, prevailed.^ 

26. From Springfield northward to the present Vermont fine, the valley of the 
Connecticut was a theatre of confusion, desolation and death, wherever white set- 
tlements existed. Almost the whole of a party of twenty Englishmen '^ sent to 
treat with the Nijymucs, were treacherously slain by the savages in ambush 
[Aug. 12, 1675], near Quaboag, now Brookfield. That place was set on fire, 
when a shower of rain put out the flames, and the Indians were driven away by 
a relief party of white people.^ The village was partially saved, but immediately 
abandoned. Soon afterward a hot battle was fought near Deerfield^ [Sept. 5], 
and a week later [Sept. 12] that settlement was laid in ashes. On the same 
day (it was the Sabbath), Hadley, further down the river, was attacked while 
the people were worshipping. In the midst of the alarm and confusion, a tall 
and venerable lookmg man, with white, flowing hair and beard, suddenly ap- 

1. In 1671, Philip and his tribe being suspected of secretly plotting the destruction of the English, 
vrere deprived of their fire-arms. He never foigot the injury, and long meditated revenge. 

2. Bancroft. 

3. Verse 15, p. 16. 4. Verse 15, p, 16. 

5. Son of Miantonomoh, whose residence was upon a hill a little north of the city of Newport, K. I. 
That hill still bears the name of Miantonomoh, abieviated to " Tonomy Hill." Verse 9, p. 64. 

6. The white population in New England, at this time, has been estimated at fifty-tive thousand. 
Haverhill, on the Merrimac, was the frontier town in the direction of Maine ; and Northtield, on the 
borders of Vermont, was the highest settlement in the Connecticut vallej'. Westfield, one hundred miles 
west of Boston, was the most remote settlement in that direction. 

7. Captains Wheeler and Hutchinson were sent from Boston to endeavor to reclaim the H'lptniics. 
Apprised of their coming, the Indians lay in ambush, and fired upon them from the deep thickets of a 
swamp. 

8. Under major Willard. The Indians set fire to every hotise except a strong one into which the 
people had secured themselves, and were besieged there two days. The Indians set fire to this last 
refuge, when rain extinguished the flames. 

9. Between 180 white people, and about 700 Indians. [See, also, verse 43, p. 100- 



Quexfions. — 24. Relate some of the first incidents of the war. Who opposed Philip? and what did he 
then do? What did 1 be Plymouth people do ? 25. What was the cliaracirr of the war ? 26. Where was 
the chief theatre of desolation ? What places were attacked ? What happened at Hadley? 



94 



COLONIES. 



peared, and brandishing a glittering sword, he placed ^himself at the head of the 
aifrighted people, and led them to a charge which dispersed and defeated the 
foe. He as suddenly disappeared, and the inhabitants beheved that an angel 
from heaven had been sent to their rescue. It was Gofle, the fugitive English 
judge,' who was then concealed in that settlement. 

27. On the 23d of September, the paths of Northfield were wet with the 
blood of many valiant young men under Captain Beers; and on the 28th, "a 
company of young men, the very flower of Essex," under Captain Lathrop, were 
butchered by almost a thousand Indians on the banks of a little stream near 
Deerlield, which still bears the name of Bloody Brook. Others, who came to 
their rescue, were engaged many hours in combat with the Indians until 
crowned with victory. 

28. Philip now resolved to attack Hatfield, the chief settlement of the white 
people above Springfield. The Springfield Indians joined him,- and with 
almost a thousand warriors, ha fell [Oct. 29, 1675;, upon the settlement. The 
English were prepared for his reception, and he was repulsed with such loss, 
that, gathering his broken forces on the eastern bank of the Connecticut,^ he 
marched toward Rhode Island. The Narragansets, in violation of the recent 
treaty, * received him, became his allies, and went out upon the war path late in 
autumn. Fifteen hundred men of Massachusetts, Plymouth and Connecticut, 
marched to punish Canonchet and his tribe, for their perfidy. The snows of 
early winter had fallen, and at least three thousand Indians had collected in 
their chief fort in an immense swamp.-^ where they were supplied with pro- 
visions for the winter. It was a stormy day in December [Dec. 29], when the 
English stood before the feeble pahsades of the savages. They offered but little 
opposition to the beseigers ; and within a few hours, five hundred wigwams, 
with the winter provisions, were in flames. Hundreds of men, women and 
children perished in the fire. A thousand warriors were slain or wounded, and 
several hundreds were made prisoners. The English lost eighty killed, and one 
hundred and fifty wounded. Canonchet was made prisoner, and slain; but 
Philip escaped, and with the remnant of the Narragansets, took refuge again 
with the Nlpmucs. 

29. Philip was busy during the winter. He vainly solicited the Mohaivks^ to 
join him, but he was seconded by the tribes eastward of Massachusetts, ''^ who 
also had wrongs to redress. The work of desolation began early in the spring 
of 1676, and within a few weeks the war extended over a space of almost three 
hundred miles. Weymouth, Groton, Medfield, Lancaster, and Marlborough, in 
Massachusetts, were laid in ashes; "Warwick and Providence, in Rhode Island, 
were burned; and everywhere, the isolated dwellings of settlers were laid 



1. Verse 20, p. 91. 

2. They had been friendly until now. They plotted the en- 
tire destruction of the Spiinglield settlement ; but the people 
defended themselves bravely within their palisaded houses. 
Many of the strong: houses of frontier settlements were thus 
fortified. Trunks of trees, eight or ten inrlies in diameter, 
were cut in uniform lengths, and stuck in the ground close to- 
gether. The upper ends were sharpened, and the whole were 
fastened together with green withes or otlier contrivances. 

3. Verse 1, p. 62. 4. Verse 24, p. 93. 

5. This swamp is a small distance S.W. of the village of 
Kingston, in Washington County, R. I. The fort was on an 
island which contains about five acres of tillable land, in the 
north-west part of the swamp. The Stoniiigton and Prov- 
idence railway passes along the northern verge of the swamp. 



:he I 




PALISADED BUILD. :<GS. 



6. Verse 2, p. 17. 

7. Verse IG, p. 16. 



The tribes of Maine were about 4000 strong. 



Questions. — 27. Where else did masssacres occur? 28. How came Philip's power to be broken? How 
did the Karragansets behave? How weie they punished for their periidy? 29. What occurred in the 
Spring of 1676 ? How did Philip lose strength and influence f What did Captain Church accomplish ? 



MASSACHUSETTS. 95 

■waste. But internal feuds weakened the power of the savages ; and both the 
JV^£jj»iMC5 ^ and the Narragansets ^ clmrged their misfortunes to the ambition of 
Phihp. The cords of alhance were severed. Some surrendered to avoid starva- 
tion; other tribes wandered off and joined those in Canada;^ while captain 
Churcli,^ the most famous of the partisan othcers of the Enghsh colonies, went 
out to hunt and destroy the fugitives. During the year, between two and three 
thousand Indians were slain or had submitted. Philip was chased from one 
hiding-place to another, but for a long time he would not yield. He once cleft 
the head of a warrior w^ho proposed submission. 

30. The "last of the Wanipanoags'' at length bowed to the pressure of cir- 
cumstances. He returned to the land of his fathers^ [August, 1676], and soon 
his wife and son were made prisoners. This calamity crushed him, and he 
said, "Now my heart breaks; I am ready to die." A few days afterward, a 
faithless Indian shot him, and captain Church cut off the dead sachem's head.s 
His body was quartered ; and his little son was sold to be a bond-slave in Ber- 
muda.7 So perished the last of the princes of the Wampanoags, and thus ended, 
in the total destruction of the power of the New England Indians^ the famous 
"King Philip's War."s 

31. While the Massachusetts colony w^as yet weak in resources, from the 
effects of the Indian war,^ and the people w^ere yet engaged in hostilities with 
the Eastern tribes,'^ it made territorial accessions by purchase, and at the same 
time boldly asserted its chartered rights. For many years there had been a con- 
troversy between the heirs of Sir F. Gorges ' ' and John Mason and the Massa- 
chusetts colony, concerning a portion of the present territory of Maine and New 
Hampshire, which, by acts of the inhabitants, had been placed [1641 and 1652] 
under the jurisdiction of the authorities at Boston.''^ The judicial decision was in 
favor of the heirs [1677], and Massachusetts immediately purchased [May 1, 
1677] their interest, for six thousand dollars.'^ New Hampshire was detached 
three years afterward [1680], and made a royal province — the first in New 
England; but Maine, which was incorporated with Massachusetts in 1692, con- 
tinued a part of that commonwealth until 1820. 

32. The profligate king continued to draw the lines of absolute rule closer 
and closer in England, and he both feared and hated the growing republics in 
America, especially those in the East. The}' were ostensibly loyal portions of 
his realm, but were really independent sovereignties, continually reacting upon 

1. Verse 15, p. 16. 2. Verse 15, p. 16. .^5. Verse 16, p. 16. 

4. Benjamin Church was born at Duxbury, Mass., in 1639. He continued hostilities against the east- 
ern Indians until 1704. He fell from his horse, and died soon afterward, at Little Couipton, Jan. 17, 
1718, aged 77 years. 

5. Note 4, p. 92. 

6. The rude sword, made by a blacksmith of the colony, with which Church cut off Philip's head, is 
in the possession of the Massachusetts Historical Socieiy. 

7. Tii8 disposal of the boy was a subject of serious deliberation. Some of the elders proposed putting 
him to death ; others, professing more nifrri/, suggested selling him as a slave. The most profitable 
measure appeared the most merciful, and the child was sold into bondage. The head of Philip was 
carried in triumph to Plymouth, and placed upon a pole. 

8. Tlie result of this war was vastly beneficial to the colonists, for the fear of savages, which prevented 
a rapid spread of settlements, was removed. From this period may be dated the real, unimpeded growth 
of New England. 

9. During the war. New England lost six hundred men ; a dozen towns were destroyed ; six hundred 
dwellings were burned; every twentieth family was houseless; and every twentieth man, who had 
served as a soldier, had perished. The cost of the war equalled five hundred thousand dollars ; a very 
large sum at that time. 

10. Verse 16. p. 16. 11. Verse 1, p. 59. 12. Verse .3, p. 60, and note 6, p. 59. 
13. The portion of Maine then purchased, was the tract between the Piscata(|ua and the Kennebeck. 

That between the Kennebeck and Penobscot belonged to the Duke of York, and the territory between 
the Penobscot and the St. Croix, was held by the French, pursuant to a treaty. 



QueMiona. — 30. What finally crushed the spirit of Philip? WTiat was Ihe fate of himself and family? 
. How came Massachusetts to increase its territory ? How was the (irst royal province in New Eng- 
32. How did the king regard the American colonies? What act ot usurpation did he at- 



tempt '. 



96 COLONIES. 

the mother country, to the damage of the "divine right" of kings. Charles had 
long cherished a desire to take their governments into his own hands, and he 
employed the occasion of the rejection of Edward Eandolph (a custom-house 
officer, who had been sent to Boston [1679] to collect the revenues and other- 
wise exercise authority),' to declare the Massachusetts charter void. He issued 
a quo warranto [1683],- and procured a decision in his favor in the high-court of 
chancery [June 28, 1684], but he died [Feb. 26, 1685], before his object was 
effected. 

33. James the Second^ continued the oppressive measures of his brother to- 
ward the New England colonies. The people petitioned and remonstrated, 
and were treated with contempt. Their hardships in conquering a wilder- 
ness, and their devotion to the English constitution, had no weight with the 
royal bigot.'* He also declared the charter of Massachusets forfeited, and ap- 
pointed Joseph Dudley president of the country from Rhode Island to Nova 
Scotia. Sir Edmund Andros arrived at Boston soon afterward [Dec. 30, 1686], 
clothed with authority to govern all New England. He came with a smihng 
face, but deceitful lips. He appears to have been a tyrant by nature, and 
came to execute a despot's wall. He soon made bare the rod of oppression, and 
began to rule with a tyrant's rigor.^ The people were about to practice the 
doctrine that '''■resistance to tyrants is obedience to Cod,"''' when intelligence 
reached Boston [April 14, 1689], that James was driven from the throne [1688], 
and was succeeded by William and Mary, of Orange.^ The inhabitants of 
Boston seized and imprisoned Andros and fifty of his political associates [April 
28, 1689], sent them to England under a just charge of mal-administration of 
public affairs, and re-established their constitutional government. Again repub- 
hcanism was triumphant in Massachusetts. 

34. The revolution in England"^ was a cause of war between that country and 
France. James (who was a Roman Catholic), fled to the court of Louis the 
Fourteenth, king of France, and that monarch espoused the cause of the fugitive. 
Hostilities between the two nations commenced the same year, and the quarrel 
extended to their respective colonies in America. The conflict, which continued 
more than seven years, is known in history as 

King William's War. 

35. In this contest, the colonists suffered terribly. The French Jesuits,^ who 
had acquired great influence over the eastern tribes,'" easily excited them to re- 
new their fierce warfare with the English. They also made the savages their 

1. Randolph appears to have been a prreedy adventurer, and -was, conseqnenlly, a faithful servant of 
his royal master, in oppressing the colonists. He exaggerated the nr.mber and resources of the people 
of New England, and thus excited the king's fears and cupidity. Previous to Randolph's appointment, 
the colony had despatched agents to England, to settle impending difficulties amicably. They failed, 
and Randolph came in the same vessel in which they returned. 

2. Note 1, p. 78. 3. Verse 28, p. 83. 4. Note 6, p. 83. 

5. Among other arbitrary acts, Andros laid restraints upon the freedom of the piess, and marriage 
contracts ; and, to use a modern term, he " levied black mail ;" that is, extorted money, by menaces, 
whenever opportunity offered. He advanced the fees of all officers of the government to an exorbitant 
degree ; and finally threatened to make the Church of England the established religion in all America. 

6. This was Cromwell's motto ; and Thomas Jefferson had it engraved upon his private seal. 

7. Note 6, p. 83. 8. Note 6, p. 83. 

9. This was a Roman Catholic religious order, founded by Ignatius Loyola, a Spaniard, in 1539. They 
have ever been remarkable for their great devotion to their cause, their self-denial, and masterly sag- 
gacity in the acquirement and maintenance of power. Their missionaries preached Christianity in 
every part of the habitable globe. They came with the first French adventurers to America, and under 
their influence, wliole tribe" of Indians eastward of Massachusetts and in Canada, were made nominal 
Christians. This was one of the ties which made the savages such faithful allies to the French during 
the contests between them and the English, previous to 17C3. 

10. Verse 16, p. 16. 



33. How did James the Second treat the colonists ? What did governor Andros do? What happened 
to him and to his sovereign? 34. What was the effect of the English revolution ? 35. What did Jesuit 
influence effect? What places were attacked by the French and Indiar.8? Relate the circumstances. 



MASSACHUSETTS. 97 

allies ; aud all along: the frontier settlements, the pathway of murder and desola- 
tion was seen. Dover, a frontier town, was first attacked by a party of French 
and Indians [July 7, 1689] ; and the venerable Major Waldrou^ and twenty 
others of the little garrison were killed. Twenty-nine of the inhabitants were 
made captive, and sold as servants to the French in Canada. In August follow- 
ing, an Indian war party, instigated by Thury, a Jesuit, fell [August 12] upon 
an English stockade"^ at Pemaquid (built by Andros), and captured the garrison. 
A few months later, Frontenac^ sent a party of three hundi'ed French and 
Indians from Montreal, to penetrate the country toward Albany. On a gloomy 
night in winter, when the snow was twenty inches in depth, they fell upon 
Schenectada [Feb. 18, 1690], a frontier town on the Mohawk, massacred many 
of the people, and burned the village. Early in the spring, Salmon Falls 
[March 28], Casco [May 27], and other eastern villages, were attacked by an- 
other party of the same mongrel foe, the natural ferocity of the Indians being 
quickened by the teachings of the Jesuits concerning the proper fate of heretics.^ 

36. These atrocities aroused all the colonies to a sense of their danger in having 
such foes intent upon their destruction ; and the New England people resolved 
on speedy retaliation. In May, Massachusetts fitted out an expedition, under 
Sir William Pliipps, a native of Pemaquid, consisting of eight or nine vessels, with 
about eight hundred men. Phipps seized Port Royal, ^ in Acadie, and obtained 
sufficient plunder from the inhabitants to pay the expenses of the expedition. In 
June, Port Royal was again plundered by English privateers from the West 
Indies. 

37. Encouraged by the success in Acadie, the colonies of Xew England and 
N"ew York coalesced in efforts to conquer Canada.^ It was arranged to send a 
land expedition from Xew York, by way of Lake Champlain, against Montreal,^ 
and a naval expedition against Quebec.^ The command of the former was in- 
trusted to the son of governor Winthrop of Connecticut,^ and the expense was 
borne jointly by that colony and Xew York.i" Sir WilUam Phipps commanded 
the latter, which Massachusetts alone fitted out. It consisted of thirtj-four 
vessels, with two thousand men. Both were unsuccessful. Some of Winthrop'a 
troops, with Indians of the Five Nations, " under colonel Schuyler, pushed to- 
ward the St. Lawrence, and were repulsed [Aug. 1690] by Frontenac, the 
governor of Canada. The remainder did not go beyond Wood Creek, now 
AVhitehaU, at the head of Lake Champlain, and all returned to Albany. '2 Phipps 
reached Quebec about the middle of October, and landed the troops ; but the 
city was too strongly fortified ^^ to promise a successful siege, and he returned 

1. Waldron was eighty years of agre. He had played false with the New Hampshire Indians during 
King Piiilip's war, and they now sought revenge. They tortured him to death. 

2. Note 5, p. 139. 3. Note 9, p. 96. 

4. In these massacres, instigated by the Jesuits, we may find a reason for the seeming intolerance of 
the Protestant majority in Maryland [verse 5, p. 113], the disabilities of Roman Catholics in Virginia, 
New York and New England, and their exclusion from the privileges of freemen, in tolerant Rhode 
Island. The most potent operations of the Jesuits were in secret, and the colonists were compelled to 
regard every Romai Catholic as the natural enemy of Protestants, and laboring to destroy every meas- 
ure tending to human freedom. 

5. Verse 29, p. 41. 6. Verse 7, p. 35. 7- Verse 8, p. 35. 
8. Verse 7, p. 35. 9. Verse 6, p. 63. 

10. Milbome, son-in-law of Jacob Leisler, the democratic governor of New York [verse 17, p. 109], 
undertook to provide subsistence for the army, which marched from Albany early in July. 

11. Verse 2, p. 17. 

12. Leisler was so much incensed at this failure, that he caused the arrest of Winthrop, at Albany. 
There had ever been a jealous rivalry between the people of New York and Connecticut ; and the feud 
which continually prevailed among the mixed troops, was the chief cause of the miscarriage of the en- 
terprise. 

1.3. Phipps, having no chart to guide him, was nine weeks cautiously making his way around Acadie 
and up the St. Lawrence. In the meanwhile, a swift Indian runner, from Pemaquid, sped across the 
country, and informed the French, at Quebec, of the approach of Phipps, in time for them to well pe- 
pare for defence. 

Questions. — 34. What effect did these atrocities have? What retaliatory expedition was formed? and 
what did it effect? 35. What efforts were made to conquer Canada? What were the results? 



98 COLONIES. 



.Jli 



to Boston before the winter set in.^ Massachusetts was obhged to issue bills of 
credit, or paper money, to defray the expenses of this expedition."^ 

38. Soon after his return, Sir William Phipps was sent to England to solicit aid 
in further warfare upon the French and Indians, and also to assist in efforts to 
procure a restoration of the charter of Massachusetts, taken away by king 
James,'* Assistance was refused ; and king William, instead of restoring the old 
charter, granted a new one, and united under it the colonies of Plymouth, Mas- 
sachusetts, Maine and Nova Scotia,'' by the old name of Massachusetts Bay 
Colony^ and made it a royal province. Phipps was appointed governor by the 
king, and returned to Boston with the charter, in May 1692. 

39. The new constitution was offensive to the people, for they were allowed 
scarcely any other political privilege, except the right to choose representatives. 
The king reserved the right to appoint the governor, his deputy, and the secre- 
tary of the colony, and of repealing the laws within three years after their pas- 
sage. This abridgment of their liberties produced general dissatisfaction, and 
alienated the affections of the people from the mother country. It was one of a 
series of fatal steps taken by the English government, which tended toward the 
final dismemberment of the empire in 1776.' Yet one good resulted from the 
change. The theocratic or religious element in the government, which fostered 
bigotry and intolerance, lost its power, for toleration was guarantied to aU 
Christian sects, except Eoman Catholics ; and the right of suffrage was ex- 
tended to others than members of congregational churches.^ 

40. Now occurred a strange episode in the history of Massachusetts. A be- 
lief In witchcraft'' destroyed the peace of society in many communities, and 
shrouded the whole colony in a cloud of gloom. This belief had a strong hold 
upon the minds of the people of old England, and of their brethren in America. 
Excitement upon the subject suddenly broke out at Danvers [March 1692] (then 
a part of Salem), and spread like an epidemic. A niece and daughter of the 
parish minister exhibited strange conduct ; and under the influence of their own 
superstitious belief, they accused an old Indian servant-woman in the family, of be- 
witching them. Fasting and prayer, to break the "spell," were of no avail, for 
their malady increased. The alarm of the family spread to the community ; and 
soon a belief prevailed throughout the colony, tl ' vil spirits, having minister- 
ing servants among men, overshadow^ -^ tlv^ land, (./.d and ill-favored women were 
first accused of practising the art of w.r.lieraft ; but at length neither age, sex, 
nor condition afforded protection from the accuser's tongue. Even the lady of 
governor Phipps did not escape suspicion. Magistrates were condemned, many 
pious persons were imprisoned, and Mr. Burroughs, a worthy minister, was ex- 

1. This repnlse was considered so important by the French, that king Louis had a commemorative 
medal struck, with the legend — " France Victorious in the New World." 

2. Note 5, p. 90. The total amount of the issue was $133,338. 

3. Verse 33, p. 96. 

4. New Scotland, the name given to the country which the French called Acadie. Note 6, p. 59. 
i). Verse 9, p. 186. 6. Note 5, p. 87. 

7. A belief in witchcraft, or the exercise of supernatural power, by men and women, has been prev.i- 
l<>ut for ages. Punishment of persons accused of it, was first sanctioned by the Church of Rome r little 
more than three hundred years aaro. Certain tests were instituted, and thousands of innocent persons 
were burnt alive, drowned, or hanged, in Europe. Within three months, in 1515, five hundred persons 
were burnt in Geneva, in Switzerland. In the diocese of Como, one thousand were burnt in one year. 
In 1520, an incredible number, from among all clas-^es, suffered death in France. And within fifty or 
sixty years, during the sixteenth century, more than one hundred thousand persons perished in the 
flames in Germany alone. Henry the Eighth of England made the practice of witchcraft a capital of- 
fence ; and a hundred ye..rs later, " wifch-detecters" traversed the country, and brought many to the 
stake. Enlightened men embraced the belief; and even Sir Matthew Hale, the most distinguished of 
England's judges, repeatedly tiiod and condemned persons accused of witchcraft. The English laws 
against witchcraft were adopted in New England ; and as early as 1648, four persons had suffered death 
for the alleged offence, in the vicinity of Boston. 



Queations. — 36. For what purpose was Phipps sent to England? What did the king do? 37. What 
was the character of the new charter '? What were it« e'^ects upon the people? 38. What delusion pre- 
vailed in Massachusetts? How did it commence? AVhat were its effects? 



MASSACHUSETTS. 99 

ecuted. For more than six months the awful delusion prevailed ; and during 
that time, twenty persons suffered death, fifty-five were tortured or frightened 
into a confession of witchcraft, and when a special court, or legislature, was 
convened in October [1692], one hundred and fifty accused persons were in 
prison. A reaction, almost as sudden as the beginning of the excitement, now 
took place in the public mind. The prison doors were opened to the accused, 
and soon many of the accusers shrunk abashed from the pubhc gaze.' Standing 
in the light of the present century, we look back to "Salem witchcraft," as i1 is 
called, with amazement. 

41. "King William's war"- continued until 1691, when a treaty of peace, 
made at Ryswick [Sept. 20] in the west of Holland, terminated hostilities.^ Up 
to that time, and later, the New England people suffered greatly from their 
mongrel foe. Remote settlements in the direction of Canada and Nova Scotia 
continued to be harassed. Almost a hundred persons were killed or made cap- 
tive [July 28, 1694] at Oyster river (now Durham), ten miles from Portsmouth, 
in New Hampshire. Two years later. Baron St. Castine, and a large force of 
French and Indians, captured [July 25, 1696] the garrison at Pemaquid, and 
exchanged the prisoners for French soldiers in the hands of the English.^ In 
March, 1697, Havershill, thirty miles from Boston, was attacked, and forty per- 
sons were killed or carried into captivity ;5 and during the following summer, 
more remote settlers were great sufferers. 

42. The treaty at Ryswick produced a lull in the storm of cruel warfare, 
which had so long hung upon the English frontiers, continually menacing the col- 
onists with wide-spread destruction.^ It was very brief, for pretexts for 
another war were not long wanting. James the Second died in September 1701, 
and Louis the Fourteenth, who had sheltered the exile,''' acknowledged his son, 
Charles Edward (commonly known as The Pretender), to be the lawful heir to 
the English throne. This offended the English, because the crown had been 
settled upon Anne, second daughter of James, who was a Protestant. Louis 
had also offended the English, by placing his grandson, Philip of Anjou, upon 
the throne of Spain, and thus extended the influence of Finance among the 
djmasties of Europe. These, and some minor causes, impelled England to de- 
clare war against France.^ Hostilities commenced in 1702, and continued until 
a treaty of peace was concluded at Utrecht [April 11, 1713], in Holland. The 
French and English in America were involved in this war ; and the latter suf- 



1. The belief in witchcraft did not cease with the strange excitement ; and Cotton Mather and other 
popular mf-n, wrote in its defence. Calef, a citizen of Boston, exposed Mather's credulity, which 
greatly irritated the minister. He first called his opponent " a weaver turned minister;" but as his 
tormentor's blows fell thick and fast, in a series of letters, Mather called him " a coal fiom hell," and 
prosecuted him for slander. The credulous clergyman was glad to withdraw the suit. 

2. Page 96. 

3. This war cost England one hundred and fifty millions of dollars, in cash, besides a loan of one 
hundred millions more. This loan was the commencement of the enormous national debt of England, 
now [1854] amounting to about four thousand millions of dollars. 

4. They also took the English fort of St. John's, Newfoundland, and several other posts on that 
island. 

5. Among their captives was a Mrs. Dustan, her child, and nurse. Her infant was soon killed, and 
she and her nurse were taken to Canada. A little more than a month afterward, Mrs. D., her compan- 
ion, and another prisoner, killed ten of twelve sleeping Indians, who had them in custody, and made 
their way back to Haverhill. 

6. Just before the conclusion of this treaty, a Board of Trade and Plantations was established by the 
English government, whose duty it was to have a general oversight of the American colonies. This was 
a permanent commission, consisting of a president and seven members, called Lords of Trade. This 
commission was always an instrument of oppression in the hands of royalty, and, as will be seen, was a 
powerful promoter of that discontent which led to the rebellion of the colonies in 1775. 

7. Verse 34, p. 96. 

8. It is known in European history as the War of the Spanish Succession. 



Questions. — ^39. What treaty closed the war? Relate some of the snflFerings of the New England peo- 
ple. 40. What caused another war ? and what was it called? When did it commence? 



100 COLONIES. 



1 




fered much from the cruelties of the Indians who were under the influence of 
the former. This is known in America as 

QUEEN ANXE'S WAR. 

43. Fortunately for the people of New York, the Fiye Nations had made a 
treaty of neutrality with the French in Canada [Aug. 4, 1101], and became an 
impassable barrier against the savage hordes from the St. Lawrence. The 
tribes from the Merrimac to the Penobscot, had made a treaty of peace with 
New England [July, 1703], but the French induced them to violate it; and 
before the close of summer, the hatchet fell upon the 
people of the whole frontier from Casco to Wells. 
Blood flowed in almost every valley ; and early the 
next Spring [March, 1704], a large party of French 
and Indians, under major Hertel de Rouville, attacked 
Deerfield, on the Connecticut river, applied the torch, ^ 
killed forty of the inhabitants, and carried one hundred 
and twelve away to the wilderness. Among these was 
Rev. John Williams, the minister, whose little daughter, 
WILLIAMS'S HOUSE. ^ftor a loug rcsidenco with the Indians, became at- 

tached to them, and married a Mohawk chief.- Similar 
scenes occurred at intervals during the whole progress of the war. Remote 
settlements were abandoned, and the people on the frontier collected in fortified 
houses, ^ and cultivated their fields in armed parties of half a dozen or more. 

42. In the spring of 1707, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire, 
determined to chastise the French on their eastern borders. Connecticut refused 
to join in the enterprise, and the three colonies alone prepared an armament. 
Early in June, a thousand men under colonel Marsh, sailed from Nantucket for 
Port Royal,* in Acadia, convoyed by an English man-of-war.""' The French were 
prepared for them, and nothing was effected except the destruction of consider- 
able property outside the fort. Three years later, an armament left Boston 
[Sept. 1710], and, in connection with a fleet from England under colonel Nichol- 
son, demanded and obtained a surrender of the fort, and garrison [Oct. 13], at 
Port Royal. The name of the place was changed to Annapolis, in honor of the 
Queen,^ and Acadia was annexed to the Enghsh realm under the title of Nova 
Scotia, or N-ew Scotland. 

43. War still continued, and the following Summer, Sir Hovenden Walker 
arrived at Boston [July, 1711], with an English fleet and army, designed for the 
conquest of Canada. New England promptly raised additional forces, and on 

1. The only house that escaped the flames was that of the Rev. John Williams, represented in the en- 
graving. Tt stood near the centre of the village, until within a few years. 

2. Mrs. Williams, and other captives, who were nnablc to travel as rapidly as the Indians, were mur- 
dered. On his arrival in Canada, Mr. Williams was treated with respect by the French, and after two 
years of captivity, was ransomed, and returned to Massachusetts. The chief object of the expedition to 
Peerfield, appears to have been to carry otf the bell that hung in Williams' church. That bell was pur- 
chased the year previous for the church of Saut St. Louis, at faughnawaga, near Montreal. The vessel 
in which it was brought from Havre was captured by a New England privateer, and the bell was 
purchased for the Deerfield meeting-house. Father Nicolas, of the church at Caughnawaga, accom- 
panied the expedition, and the bell was carried in triumph to its original destination, where it still 
remains. 

3. Note 2, p. 94. 4. Verse 29, p. 41. 

5. The common term for a war ship, as distinguished from an armed hriff, schooner, or sloop. 

6. King William had no children ; and Anne, the daughter of James (who was married to Prince 
George of Denmark), succeeded him as sovereign of England in 1702. 



Questions. — 41. Wliat secured New York against the French and Indians? What occurred upon the 
New England frontiers? What can you tell of the Williams family ? 42. What did eastern colonies do? 
What armaments were fitted out, and what did they effect? 4S. What was done toward the conquest 
of Canada? What of the expedition ? What did the eastern Indians do ? 



MASSACHUSETTS. 101 

the 10th of August, fifteen men-of-war and forty transports, bearing almost seven 
thousand troops, departed for the St. Lawrence to attack Quebec. Walker, hko 
Braddock,' haughtily refused to listen to experienced subordinates, and lost eight 
of his ships, and almost a thousand men, on the rocks at the mouth of the river, 
on the night of the 2d of September. Disheartened by this calamity, Walker 
returned to England with the remainder of his fleet, and the colonial troops went 
back to Boston. On hearing of this failure of the naval expedition, a body of 
troops marching from Albany to attack Montreal, retraced their steps."2 Hostili- 
ties were now suspended, and in the Spring of 1713, a treaty of peace was con- 
cluded [April 11] at Utrecht. The Eastern Indians sent a flag to Boston, and 
sued for peace, and at Portsmouth the governor of Massachusetts and New 
Hampshire entered into a pacific compact [July 24] with the chiefs of the tribes. 

46. For thirty years succeeding the close of Quean Anne^s War^ the colonies 
enjoyed comparative repose. Then, again, the selfish strifes of European mon- 
archs awakened the demon of discord, and its bloody footsteps were soon appa- 
rent along the northern frontiers of the English colonies in America. The inte- 
)-im had been a period of much political agitation in Massachusetts, during which 
a great stimulus had been given to the growth of republican principles. Dis- 
putes, sometimes violent, and sometimes in a conciliatory spirit, had been car- 
ried on between the royal governors and the representatives of the people ; the 
former contending for prerogatives and salaries which the people deemed inad- 
missible.'^ These internal disputes were arrested when they heard that France 
had declared hostility to England [March 15, 1744], and the colonists cheerfully 
prepared to commence the contest known in America as 

KING GEORGE'S WAR. 

47. The principal event of this war 4 in America, was the capture of the for- 
tress of Louisburg, on the island of Cape Breton. It had been constructed by 
tlie French after the treaty at Utrecht, at an expense of five and a half millions 
of dollars, and because of its great strength, was called The Gibraltar of Amer- 
ica. William Shirley,-^ a soldier and energetic statesman, was governor of Mas- 
sachusetts when hostilities were proclaimed. He immediately perceived the 
importance of^ Louisburg in the coming contest, and plans for its capture were 
speedily perfected by the Legislature of Massachusetts.^ Rhode Island, New 
Hampshire, and Connecticut furnished their proper quota of troops. New York 
sent artillery, and Pennsylvania provisions. Thus common danger was extend- 



1. Verse 14, p. 142. 

2. These were four thousand in number, under the command of General Nicholson. They were fur- 
nished bj' New York and Connecticut. 

3. The chief topic of coulroversy was the payment of salaries. Governors Shute, Burnet, and Belcher, 
all contended for a permanent salary, but the people claimed the right to vote such salary, each year, 
as the services of the governor appeared justly to demand. A compromise was finally eflected by an 
agreement to vote a certain sum each year. The subject of salaries was a cause of contention with 
the royal governors, until the Revolution. 

4. The husband of queen Anne died several years previous to her death, which occurred in August,' 
1704. George, Elector of Hanover, in Germany, was immediately proclaimed king of ?3ngland, by the 
title of George the First. His son George succeeded him in 1727, and also retained the title and privi- 
leges of elector of Hanover. A contest arose between Maria Theresa, empress of Austria, and the elector 
of Bavaria, for the throne of Austria. The king of England espoused tlie cause of the empress in 1743, 
and the king of France took part with her opponent. This led France to declare war against England, 
a contest known in America as King George' h War, but in Europe, the Tl'ar of the Austrian SucMS-sion. 

5. Born in England ; made governor of Massachusetts in 1741 ; was afterward governor of one of the 
Bahama Islands, and died at Roxbury, near Boston, in 1771. 

6. Shirley proposed an expedition, but the Legislature hesitated. The measure was finally agreed 
upon by a majority of only one vote. 



Questions. — 44. How long did the colonies enjoy repose? What caused another war? What caused 
disputes v.-ith royal governors y What ended these disputes? 45. What kind of fortress was at Louis- 
burg? What preparations were made to capture it? 



102 



COLONIES. 



ing the idea of a necessity for a union of the Anglo- 
American colonies, long before it assumed a prac- 
tical form in 1754/ 

48. Disappointed in their expectation of aid from 
commodore Warren (then in the 
"West Indies) the colonial forces, 
thirty-two hundred strong, under 
the general command of WilUam 
Pepperell,- sailed [April 4, 1*745] 
for Louisburg.3 At Canseau they 
were unexpectedly joined by the 
fleet of Warren [May 9], and on 
the 11th of May the 
combined forces, four 
thousand strong, land- 
ed at Gabarus Bay, a 
short distance from 
their destination. The 
sudden appearance of 
this formidable arma- 
ment was the first inti- 
mation to the French, 

that an attack was meditated, and great consternation prevailed in the fortress 
and town. 

49. A direct approach to the town was difficult on account of a morass, and a 
combined attack by sea and land was carefully arranged. The land forces en- 
camped in a curve in rear of the town, and detachments secured the French out- 
posts, one after another. Cannons were dragged on sledges over the morass,"* 
trenches were dug, batteries' were erected, and a regular siege was commenced 
[May 31]. In the meanwhile, commodore Warren captured a French ship of 
seventy-four guns, and secured over five hundred men, with a large quantity of 
military stores. While the siege was in progress, other English vessels of war 
arrived, and the fleet and army agreed to make a combined attack on the 29th 
of June, Despairing of successful resistance, the French surrendered the for- 
tress, the city of Louisburg, and the island of Cape Breton, on the 28th of June 
1745.« 

50. This daring and successful expedition greatly mortified the pride of 




CAPTURE OF LOUISBURG IN 1745. 



1. Verse 10, p. 140. 

2. Pepperell was a native of Maine, and a wealthy merchant. He was afterward made a baronet. He 
died in 1759. 

3. Louisburg is on the east side of the island of Cape Breton, with a fine, deep harbor. The landing- 
place of the liritish, position of the camp, <fec., will be seen by reference to the map. The Royal battery 
was taken by 400 men. When they approached, the French "thoughl the whole English army was upon 
them. They immediately spiked their guns (that is, drove iron spikes into the touch-holes of the can- 
nons, so as to make them useless), and tied. In the upper part of tlie map is a profile of the fortifications 
at Louisburg. It is given here in order to illustrate certain terms which may be used hereafter : a, the 
glacis, is the extreme outside slope of the works ; h, the banquet, or step upon which the soldiers stand 
to fire over the parapet ; c, a covered icay into the fort, under the banquet ; d, counterscarp, a bank or 
wall, outside the ditcft, e ; f, the ■parapet, a protection for the men and guns from balls from without ; 
g, the inner banquet ; h, ramparts, — the most solid embankment of the fortress ; i, the last slope in the 
interior of the fort, called taJus. 

4. The artillery was commanded by Richard Gridley, who was the engineer of the continental army 
at Boston in 1775 and 1776. Verse 8, p. 175. 

5. A battery is a place raised to the height of an object to be attacked, upon which heavy cannons are 
placed. 

6. The prizes and stores obtained by the English, amounted, in value, to little less than five millions of 
dollars. 



Questions.— W. Describe the expedition against Louisburg, and the effect of its appearance. 47. What 
was ihe disposition of the forces before Louisburg V What did the fleet do ? What was the result > 



NEW YORK. 108 

France ; and the following year [1746] the Duke D'Anville was sent with a pon-- 
el-ful naval armament' to recover the lost fortress, an«l to desolate the English 
settlements along the seaboard. Storms wrecked many of his vessels, and dis- 
ease swept away hundreds of his men; and D'Anville, thoroughly dispirited, 
abandoned the enterprise without striking a blow.'^ Two years afterward a 
treaty of peace was concluded at Aix-la-Chapelle, in western Germany, when it 
was agreed that all prisoners should be released, and all acquisitions of property 
or territory, made by either party, were to be restored. Both of the principal 
parlies were heavy losers by the contest ;3 while the strength of the colonists, 
yet to be called forth in a more important struggle, was revealed and noted. 

51. Ancient national animosities, reUgious differences, and recent causes for 
irritation, had inspired the English and French with intense mutual hatred, when 
the treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle was signed on the 18th of October, 1748. The al- 
legiance of Massachusetts and its sister colonies to the British crown, restrained 
the resentment of the people while England and France were at peace. Soon, 
disputes about local boundaries began, ^ and it was not long before preparations 
for war were seen in America. Then came that final bloody strugf^le between 
the Enghsh and French, for dominion in the New World, known as the 
French and Indian War.^ 



SECTION III. 

NEW YORK. [1623.] 

1. Peter Minuit,^ rccontly appointed governor of Now iSretherland,7 arrived 
at New Amsterdam (as the germ of the present city of New York was called), 
in Afay, 1626. He immediately purchased of the Indians, for about twenty- 
fvir dollars, the whole of the island of Manhattan,^ on which the city of New 
York now stands, and began vigorously to jDcrfect the founding of a state 
similar to those of Holland. He erected a strong fortification near the site 
of the present Battery^ and called it Fort Amsterdam.^ By conciliatory meas- 
ures he gained the confidence of the Indians ; and he also opened a friendly 
correspondence with the Puritans at Plymouth.'" The English reciprocated 
the friendly expressions of the Dutch ; at the same time they requested the 
latter not to send tlieir trappers quite so far eastward as Narraganset Bay, to 
catch otters and beavers." 



1. It consisted of forty ships of war, fifty-six transports, thirty-five hundred men, and forty thousand 
muskL'ts for the use of the t'roiich and Indians in Canada. 

2. IVAuville, with two or three vessels, anchored at Chebucto (now Halifax, Nova Scotia), where he 
died, it is believed, by poison. His lieutenant also committed suicide, iu consequence of mortified 
p.ide. These disasieis to the French fleet, were reg^arded by the people of New Eiipland as special 
manifestations of Providence in their favor. Public thanksgivings were olTered ; and no one doubted 
the light of the English to the whole of Acadie. 

3. Parliament afterward reimbursed to the colonies the cost of their preparations against Canada, 
amounting lO more than a million of dollars. See verse 80, p. 148. 

4. Verse 4, p. 138. 5. Page 137. 6. Verse 4, p. 68. 7- Verse 4, p. 53. 
8. Note 3, p. 34. 9. See picture on p. 108. 10. Verse 12, p. 58. 

11. Trade in furs was the chief occupation of the Dutch of New Netherland at this time. They be- 
came expert trappers, and were seen as far east as Nantucket, and even t'ape ('od. The trade soon bc- 
c:'.:!ie profitable to the (/Oinpauy. The first year's remittance of furs to Amsterdam was valued at $11,000. 
This trade greatly increased ; and before the troubles witli the Indians in 1640, the value of furs sent to 
Holland annually, was more than $60,000. 



QueMionn. — 18. What preparations were made by the French to retrieve their losses? What was the 
result? What were the terms of the treaty that was made? 49. What caused the English and French 
to hate each other? What restrained the coloni-ts from continuing the war ? What was the last great 
.•struggle of the two nations in America? 1. What measures were taken by the first Dutch governor 
for founding a slate ? What relations subsisted between the Dutch, and the English and Indians? 



104 COLONIES. 



2. To encourage emigration to New Netherland, the Dutch West India Com- 
pany^ ofifered [1629] large tracts of land and certain privileges to those per- 
sons who should lead or send a given number of emigrants to occupy and till 
the soil.2 Directors of the company3 availed themselves of the privilege, and 
sent Wouter Yan Twiller to examine the country and select the lands. Immi- 
grants came; and then were laid the foundations of the most noted of the 
mmorial estates of New York.^ The proprietors were coiled patroons (patrons), 
and held a high political and social station in the New World. 

3. Yan Twiller was appointed governor in 1633. The beginning of his ad- 
ministration was marked by difficulties with the English on the Connecticut 
river. 5 He was more distinguished for his marriage connection with Yan Eens- 
selaer, one of the Fatroons, than for any administrative qualities. Yet circum- 
stances favored the advancement of the colony, and he ruled quite satisfactorily, 
especially to the Company, whose interests he faitlifully served. He was suc- 
ceoded in oflSce, in May 1638, by Sir William Keift, at the moment when the 
Svedish colony^ were seating themselves upon the banks of the Delaware. 

•1. Keift, the fifth governor or director-general, was a bold, rapacious, and un- 
scrupulous man, and soon brought serious trouble upon the colony. He began 
a tyrannous rule by concentrating executive power in his own hands ; and his 
administration was a stormy and unfortunate one. The sum of its record is a 
tale of continual strife with the Swedes on the Delaware,''' the English on the 
Connecticut,^ the Indians all around him, and the colonists at his door. His dif- 
ficulties with the Indians proved the most disastrous of all, and finally wrought 
his own downfall. Previous to his arrival, the intercourse of the Dutch with 
the Indians had been quite friendly.^ The fur trade was extending, and trap- 
pers and traders were all abroad among the native tribes. These carried a 
demon of discord with them. They furnished the Indians with rum, and quar- 
rels and murders ensued. The avaricious Keift also demanded tribute of wam- 
pum^" and beaver-skins from the River tribes ; and in a short time their friend- 
ship for the Dutch became weakened. 

5. Some Raritan}'^ Indians in New Jersey were accused of robbery. Keift sent 
an armed force to punish them [July 1640], and blood flowed. Several Indians 
were killed, and their crops were destroyed. Savage vengeance did not slum- 
ber long. The Rariians murdered four planters on Staten Island [June 1641], 
and destroyed considerable property.'' An expedition sent to punish the offend- 
ers was unsuccessful. Soon afterward, a young Westchester Indian, whose uncle 

1. Verse 5, p. 53. 

2. The land was to be fairly purchased of the Indians, and then the title was to be confirmed by the 
Dutch government. The privileges granted to the purchasers made them, in a degree, feudal lords 
[note 15, p. 45], yet they were exempted from paying tribute to supreme authority. 

3. Killian Van Rensselaer, who purchased a tract at Fort Orange (Albany) ; Samuel Godyn and Sam- 
uel Bloemart, who selected lands in West Jersey, on the Delaware ; and Michael Pauw, wliose domain 
included Jersey City and vicinity. See Verse 7, p. 69. 

4. Van Rensselaer. Immense tracts of land in Albany and Rensselaer counties, portions of the first 
Patroons' estates, are yet (1854) in possession of the family. Since 1840, many scenes of violence and 
bloodshed have been witnessed on those lands, growing out of disputes with tenants, when they have 
been called upon to pay even the almost nominal rent which Is demanded. Social and political ques- 
tions have arisen, and produced two strong parties. The defence of the tenantry is termed Anti-Benfifun. 

5. Verse 4, p. 62. 6. Verse 4, p. 68 7. Verse 5, p. 68. 8. Verse 4, p. 62. 

9. The Dutch had made a settlement, and built a fort at Albany [verse .3, p. 53], and made a treaty 
of friendship with the Mohaickx [verse 2, p. 17]. This the River Indians, in the vicinity of New Am- 
sterdam, did not like, for the Mohawks were their oppressors. 

10. Note 3, p. 9. 

11. A tribe of the Lenni-Lenapex. Verse 13, p. 15. 

12. This plantation belonged to De Vrios [note 4, p. C7], who was a friend of the Indians. 



1779- ■ 



Questions. — 2. Wliat did the Diilrh TVext India Company do to encourage emigration? Who were 
Patroonsi 3. What marked the beginning of Van Twiller's administration ? What was its character ? 
Who succeeded him? 4. What was the character of Kieft? What marked his administration? What 
caused trouble with the Indians? 5. What causes led to hostilities with the Indians ? 



NEW YORK. 105 

liad been murdered by a Hollander, near where the Halls of Justice now stand, ' 
revenged the murder, according to the customs of his people,- by killing an in- 
offensive Dutchman living at Turtle Bay.-* His tribe refused to surrender him 
on the demand of Keift, and the governor determined to make war upon all the 
offending savages. 

6. Already the people had begun to murmur at Keift's course, and charged 
the troubles with the Indians directly upon him. Unwilling to assume the entire 
responsibility of a war himself^ the governor called a meeting [Aug. 23, 1641] 
of the heads of families in New Amsterdam, for consultation. These promptly 
cliose "twelve select men" [Aug. 29], with De Vries^ at their head, to act for 
them ; and this was the first representative assembly ever formed among 
L'uropeans on Manhattan Island. They did not agree with the governor's hos- 
tile views; and Kieft finding them not only opposed to his war designs, but 
that they were also taking cognizance of alleged grievances of the people, 
dissolved them [Feb. 1642]. Finally, the commission of other murders by In- 
dians, and the presence of a body of 3Iohaiuks, who had come down to exact 
tribute from the River tribes, concurred with the changed opinions of some 
leading citizens of New Amsterdam, to make Keift resolve to embrace this op- 
portunity to chastise the savages. A large number of them had fled before the 
Afohaivks, and sought shelter with the Hackensacks, near Hoboken, and there 
craved the protection of the Dutch. Now was ofiered an opportunity for a wise 
and humane governor, to make a covenant of peace and friendship ; but Keift 
could not be satisfied without a flow of blood. At midnight, in February 1643, 
a body of Hollanders and Mohaivks crossed the Hudson, fell upon the unsuspecting 
fugitives, and before the dawn, massacred almost a hundred men, women and 
children. Many were driven from the cliffs at Hoboken into the freezing flood, 
and at sunrise the bloody marauders returned to New Amsterdam with thirty 
prisoners, and the heads of several Indians. 

7. This massacre aroused the fiery hatred and vengeance of all the surround- 
ing tribes, and a fierce war was soon kindled. Villages and farms were deso- 
lated, and white people were butchered wherever found by the incensed In- 
dians.5 The Long Island tribes,*' hitherto friendly, joined their kindred, and the 
very existence of the Dutch colony was menaced. Fortunately for the settlers, 
that eminent peace-maker, Roger "Williams," arrived, to embark for England,'^ 
and he pacified the savages [1643] and secured a brief repose for the colony. 
But the war was soon renewed, and for two years the colony suffered dread- 
fully. Having no competent leader, they employed captain John Underbill, ^ 
who successfully beat back and defeated the Indians, and hostilities ceased. 
The Mohawks came and claimed sovereignty over the River Indians, and made a 
treaty of peace with the Dutch. 

8. Keift's conduct was so offensive to the colonists and the Company, that 
he was recalled, and he sailed for Europe in 1647, in a richly laden ves- 
sel. It was wrecked on the coast of Wales, and there the governor perished. 

1. On Centre Street, New York city. There was once a fresh water pond there, surrounded by the forest. 

2. The Indians had a custom concerning an avenger of blood, similar to that of the Jews. It was the 
duty and the privilege for the next of kin to the murdered man, to avenge his blood by killing the mur- 
derer. The Indians took the life of any one of the tribe of the offender. 

3. At the foot of Fortv-fifth street, on the East River. 

4. Note 4, p. 67. 

5. It was during this frenzy of revenge, that Mrs. Hutchinson, who had been banished from Massa- 
chusetts, and had taken up her residence in the present Westchester County, New York, was murdered, 
with all her familv. The stream upon which she lived, is yet known as Hutchinson's river. 

6. Verse 14, p. 15. 7- Verse 9, p. 64. 8. Verse 6, p. 67. 9- Verse 10, p. 64. 

Questions. — 6. Wliat made the people murmur ? Wliaf did the governor do ? What outrage was com- 
mitted? 7. What were the effects of this massacre? Can you relate the circumstances of an Indian 
war? 8. What happened to governor Kieft f Who was his successor ? What was Stuyvesant's char- 
acter? andwhat did he accomplish? 

5* 



106 



COLONIES. 




PETER STUYVESANT. 



He had already been succeeded in office [ilaj 
27, 1647], by Peter Stuyvesant, lately governor 
of Curacoa, a soldier of eminence, and possessed 
of every requisite for an efficent administration 
of government. His treatment of the Indians 
was very kind and just, and they soon exhibited 
such friendship for the Dutch, that Stuj'vesant 
was falsely charged wath a design to employ 
them in murdering the English in New Eng- 
land.^ Long accustomed, as a military leader, 
to arbitrary rule, he was stern and inflexible, 
but he had the reputation of an honest man. 
He immediately commenced much needed re- 
forms; and during his whole administration, 
which was ended by the subjugation of the 
Dutch by the English- [1664], he was the 
faithful and energetic defender of the integrity of the province against its foes. 
By prudent management he avoided collisions with the English, and peaceably 
ended boundary disputes 3 with them in the Autumn of 1650. This cause for 
irritation on his eastern frontier being removed, Stuyvesant turned his at- 
tention to the growing power of the Swedes, on the Delaware. 

9. In 1651, Stuyvesant built Fort Casimer, on the site of the present New 
Castle, in Delaware. This was soon seized by the Swedes, and the garrison 
made prisoners. The States-GeneraH resolved to prevent further trouble, and 
for this purpose, gave Stuyvesant full liberty to subjugate the Swedes. At the 
head of six hundred men, he sailed for the Delaware in August, 1655, and by 
the middle of October, he had captured all the Swedish fortresses, and sent the 
governor (Risingh) and several influential men, to Europe. Some of the settlers 
withdrew to Maryland and Virginia, but the great body of them quietly sub- 
mitted, took an oath of allegiance to the States-General of Holland, and con- 
tinued in peaceable possession of their property. Thus, after an existence of 
about seventeen years [1638-1655], New Sweden ^ disappeared by absorption 
into New Netherlaxd. 

10. While Stuyvesant and his soldiery were absent on the Delaware, some 
Indians, who were not yet reconciled to the Dutch, menaced New Amsterdam.^ 
The return of the governor produced quiet, and, for eight years, the colony was 
very little disturbed by external causes. Then the Esopus Indians suddenly 
fell upon the Dutch settlements [June, 1663] at Wiltwyck (now Kingston") and 
killed and captured sixty-five of the inhabitants. Stuyvesant promptly sent a 
sufficient force to chastise them ; and so thoroughly was tlie errand performed, 
that the Indians sued for peace [May, 1664], and made a treaty of friendship. 

11. While the governor had been judiciously remo\dng all causes for trouble 



1. Verse 15, p. 89. This idea prevailed, because during almost the entire winter of 1652-3, NinigrH 
and two other Karraganset Sachems had been in New Amsterdam, and on very friendly terms with 
Stuyvesant. These Sachems, who were true friends of the English, positively disclaimed all bad inten- 
tions on the part of Stuyvesant, and yet historians of the present day repeat the slander. 

2. Verse 12, p. 107. 

3. Verse 3, p. 62. He went to Hartford, and there made a treaty which fixed the eastern boundary 
of New Netherland nearly on the line of the present division between Isew York and Connecticut, and 
across Long Island, at Oyster Bay, thirty miles eastward of New York. The Dutch claims to lands on 
the Oonnecticut river were extinguished by this treaty. 

4. Note 7, p. 42. 5. Verse 4, p. 68. 6. Verse 1, p. 103. 
7. Near tlie Hudson river, in the present Ulster county. Verse 27, p. 207. 



Quefitiona. — 9. What measures were adopted by Stuyvesant to humble the Swedes ? What occurred to 
the Swedes in 1655? 10. What Indian hostilities occurred on the Hudson? What were the results? 11. 
What new power appeared in the Dutch colony ? How was it fostered ? How was it regarded by Stuy- 
vesant ? What did the people do ? 



NEW YORK. ^ 107 

y 

with his neighbors, there was a power at work within his own domain which 
gave him great uneasiness. The democratic seed planted by the Twelve, in 
IGeft's time,^ had begun to grow vigorousl}^ under the fostering care of a few 
enlightened Hollanders, and some Puritans who had settled in New Netherland. 
The latter, by their applause of English institutions, had diffused a desire among 
the people to partake of the blessings of English liberty, as they understood it. 
Stuyvesant was an aristocrat by birth, education, and pursuit, and vehemently 
opposed every semblance of demoerac}'. At the beginning he found himself at 
variance with the people. At length an assembly of two deputies from each 
A illage in New Netherland, chosen by the inhabitants, convened at New Am- 
sterdam [Dec. 1653], without the approbation of the governor. Their proceed- 
ings displeased him ; and finding argument of no avail, he exercised his official 
prerogatives. The people grew bolder at every rebuff, and finally they not 
only resisted taxation, but openly expressed a willingness to bear English rule 
for the sake of enjoying English liberty. The opportunity for change was not 
long delayed. 

12. A crisis in the aff\iirs of New Netherland now approached. Charles the 
Second, of England, without any fair pretence to title, gave the whole territory 
of New Netherland [March 22, 1664] to his brother James, duke of York.- 
The duke sent an English squadron, under the command of colonel Richard 
Nicolls,3 to secure the gift; and on the 3d of September, 1664, the red cross of 
St. George ^ floated in triumph over the Fort, and the name of New Amsterdam 
was changed to New York.^ It was an easy conquest, for, while the fortifica- 
tions and other means of defence were very weak, the people were not unwill- 
ing to try English rule. Stuyvesant began to make concessions to the people, 
when it was too late, and when his real strength, the popular will had departed 
from him. He hesitated long before he would sign the articles of capitulation; 
and thus, until the end, he was faithful to his employers, the Dutch West India 
Company.^ With the capital, the remainder of the province passed into the 
hands of the English, and earlv in October, 1664, New Netherland was acknow- 
ledged a part of the British realm, and Nicolls, the conqueror, became governor.''' 
Lot us consider 

XEW-TORK UNDER THE ENGLISH. 

13. The people of New-York^ soon perceived that a change of masters did 
not enhance their prosperity and happiness. They were disappointed in their 
hope of having a representative government; and their taxes, to support a 

1. Verse 6, p. 105. 2. Verse 7, p. 69. 3. Note 7, p. 91. 

4. The royal standard of England is sometimes so named because it bears a red cross, which is calle I 
f!ie " cross "of St. George," the patron saint of Great Britain. After the Union with Scotland [note 1, 
p. 4G], the cross of St. Andrew (in the form of an x.was added, aud is now seen on the British flag. 
In ihe centre are the royal arms. This Union, as the figure is called, was borne upon the American 
fia.irs, sometimes, until after the Declaration of Independence, in 1776. It was upon the Hag of thirteen 
stripes, alternated red and white, which Washington caused to be unfurled at Cambridge, on the first 
dav of that year. See verse 1, p. 182. 

5. The name of Fort Orange settlement [note 3, p. 104], was changed to Albany, one of the duke's 
titles. 

6. Vereo 5, p. 53. 

7. We have elsewhere noticed the fact, that before Nicolls was dispatched, the Duke, being certain 
of victory, sold that pa"t of New Netherlands now included in New Jersey, to other parties. [See v. 7, 
p. 09.] Long Island, which had been previously granted to the earl of Stirling, was purchased by the 
Dutch, in total disregard of the claims of Connecticut. The colonies [verses 4 and 6, p. 68] on the 
Delaware remained under the jurisdiction of New York, and were governed by deputies. 

8. The picture on page 108 is a correct view of the city of New York two hundred years ago. It is now 
[1854] the largest city oi the American continent. On the left of the picture is seen Fort Amsterdam 
[veise 1, p. 103], with the church and governor's house within it, and a windmill. 

Q>ie!>tion.o.—\2. What led to the subiugation of the Ditoh by the English? How was it effected? 
Wi'.at was Stuyvesant's course ? 13. How were the people disappointed ? What did the English gov- 
ernor do ? 



108 



COLONIES. 




CITY OF NEW-YORK IN 1664. 



government m 
which they 
had no voice, 
were increas- 
ed. Lovelace, 
the vile suc- 
cessor of Nic- 

olls, [166*7] increased their burdens ; and when they sent a respectful protest to 
him, he ordered the paper to be burned by the common hangman. He was a 
petty tyrant, and declared that the people should have " liberty for no thought, 
but how to pay their taxes." But the people did think of something else, and 
were on the eve of open rebelhon when the clouds of national war over- 
shadowed local difficulties. 

14. War again commenced between England and Holland in 1672, and in July 
the following year, a Dutch squadron sailed up the Bay of New York, and, in 
the absence of the governor, took possession of the fort and town [Aug. 9, 1673] 
withor^.t giving a shot. The easy conquest was the work of treason ; yet, as 
tb9 royal Hbertine (Charles the Second) on the throne of England doubtless 
shared in the bribe, the traitor went unpunished.' New Jersey, and the Terri- 
tories of Delaware'^ yielded, and for sixteen montlis [July 1673 to Nov. 1674] 
N !W York was again New Netherlands. When the two nations made a treaty 
of peace, the province was restored to the English, and remained in their pos- 
session until our Independence was declared in 1776\ These changes raised 
some doubts concerning the validity of the duke's title, and the king gave him 
another grant in July 1674. Sir Edmond Andros^ was appointed governor 
under the new charter, and continued arbitrary rule, with increased rigor.5 

15. Andros returned to England at the close of 1683, when the duke, (who was 
a Roman Oathohc), appointed Thomas Dongan, of the same faith, to succeed him. 
In 'he meanwhile, the duke had listened to the judicious advice of William Penn, 
and instructed Dongan to call an assembly of representatives. They met [Oct. 17, 
1683], and with the hearty concurrence of the governor, a Charter of Liberties 
was established, s and the permanent foundation of a representative govern- 
ment was laid. The people rejoiced in the change, and were heartily engaged in 
efforts to perfect a wise and liberal government, when the duke was elevated to 
the throne, as James the Second,' on the death of Charles, in February, 1685. As 
king, he refused to confirm the privileges which, as duke, he had granted ; and 
having determined to introduce the Roman Catholic religion into the pro^^nce as 
the established church, he commenced by efforts to enslave the people. A direct 
tax was ordered ; the printing press — the right arm of knowledge and freedom — 



% 



1. The traitor was Captain John Manning, the commander of the fort. He was doubtless bribed by the 
Dutch commander ; and the fact that the king screened him from punishment, gave the color of truth 
to the charge that the monarch shared in the bribe. 

2. Verse II, p. 70. 3. Verse 10, p. 187. 4. Verse 33, p. 96. 

5. The Duke claimed the country from the Connecticut river to CapeHenlopen. Andro^ attempted to 
exercise authority eastward of the line agreed upon by the Dutch and the Connecticut people [note 3, 
p. 106J, and went to Saybrook in the summer of 1676, with an armed party, to enforce the claim. He met 
\vith such resistance, that he was compelled to return to New York without accomplishing his design. 
See verse 6, p. 116. 

6. The Assembly consisted of the governor a.id ten councillors, and seventeen deputies elected by the 
freeholders. They adopted a Declaration of Rights, and asserted the principle, so nobly fought for a hun- 
dred years later, that taxation and representation are inseparable — in other words, that taxes cannot be 
levied without the consent of the people, expressed by their repres( 



was divided into twelve counties, 
7. Verse 28, p 



representatives. At this time the colony 



Questions.— \i. What occurred at New York in 1G73? By what means did the Dutch regain the pro- 
^ce? How did the English again get possession ? 15." What political changes took place in New 
York? How did a dake, male king, disappoint the people? What measures did he attempt? 



NEW YORK. 109 

was forbidden a place in the colony ; and the provincial offices were filled by 
Eoman Catholics. Their proceedings gave pain to the liberal-minded Dongan ; 
and when the king, in his religious zeal, instructed the governor to introduce 
French priests among the Five Nations, ' he resisted the measure as highly 
inexpedient.^ 

16. The people were again on the eve of open rebellion, when the intelligence 
of the flight of James, and the accession of William and Mary,^ reached them. 
They immediately appointed a committee of safety, and with almost unanimous 
voice, sanctioned the conduct of Jacob Leisler (an influential merchant, and com- 
mander of the militia), who had taken possession of the fort in the name of the 
new sovereigns, and by order of the people. Afraid of the people, Nicholson, 
the successor of Dongan, fled on board a vessel and departed, and the people 
consented to Leisler's assuming the functions of governor until a new one should 
be appointed. The aristocracy and the magistrates were offended, and denoun- 
cing Leisler as an usurper, they accused him of treason, when governor Slough- 
ter arrived, in 1691. 

17. In the meanwhile, Liesler conducted affairs with prudence and energy. 
Having the sanction of the people, he needed no further authority; and when a 
letter from the British ministers arrived [December, 1689], directed to governor 
Nicholson, "or, in his absence, to such as, for the time being," conducted affairs, 
he considered it as fairly addressed to himself Milborne, his son-in-law, acted 
as his deputy, and was included in the accusations of the magistrates, who had 
now retired to Albany. They held Fort Orange^ until the invasion of the 
French in February 1690,5 when they felt the necessity of claiming the protec- 
tion of the government at New York. They then yielded, and remained com- 
paratively quiet until the arrival of Richard Ingoldsby, Sloughter's heutenant, 
early in 1691. 

18. Ingoldsby announced the appointment of Henry Sloughter as governor; 
and without producing any credentials of authority, he haughtily demanded of 
Leisler [Feb. 9, 1691] the surrender of the fort. Of course Leisler refused com- 
pliance; but as soon as Sloughter arrived [March 29], he sent a messenger to 
announce his desire to surrender all authority into his hands. Leisler's enemies 
had resolved on his destruction ; and when he came forward to deliver the fort, 
in person, he and his son-in-law were seized and cast into prison. They were 
tried on a charge of treason, found guilty, and condemned to suffer death. Slough- 
ter withheld his signature to their death warrant ; but, when made drunk at a 
dinner party prepared for the purpose, he put his name to the fatal instrument. 
Before he became sober, Leisler and Milborne were suspended upon a gallows 
on the verge of Beekman's swamp [May 26, 1691], where Tammany Hall now 
stands. These were the proto-martyrs of popular liberty in America.^ 

19. Sloughter was a weak and dissolute man, yet he came with an earnest 
desire to promote the welfare of the colonists. He convened a popular assem- 

1. Verse 2, p. 17. 

2. This measure woulfl have pven the French, in Canada, an influence over the Indians that might 
have proved fatal to English power on the continent. The Five Nations remained the fast friends of 
Ih^ English, and stood as a powerful barrier against the French, when the latter twice invaded the Iro- 
quis territory, in endeavors to reach the Englisli at Albanv. 

3. Note 6, p. 83. 4. Note 3, p. 104. 

5. At this time Schenectada was desolated. See verse 35, p. 96. 

6. Their estates were confiscated ; but after a lapse of several years, and when the violence of party 
spirit had subsided, the property was restored to their families. 



(^iieMiontt — 16. What other changes took place In New York ? 'What did the people do? How did the 
aristocracy regard their movements? 17. How did Leisler manage affairs? What course did the magis- 
trates and others pursue? is. What circumstances led to the death of Leisler and Milborne? Where 
were they executed ? 19. What was the character of Sloughter? What were the promises of his short 
administration? How did he die? 



110 COLONIES. 

bly, and formed a constitution, which provided for trial by jury, and an exemp- 
tion from taxes, except by the consent of the representatives of the people. 
Light was thus dawning hopefully upon the province, when dtlirium tremens, at 
the close of a drunken revel, ended the administration and the life of the gov- 
ernor [Aug. 2, 1691], in less than three months after the murder of Leisler and 
Milborne. 

20. Sloughter was succeeded by Benjamin Fletcher, a man of violent passions, 
and quite as weak and dissolute. He became tlie tool of the aristocracy, and 
was hated by the i^eople. Party spirit, engendered by the death of Leisler, 
burned intensely during the whole administration of Fletcher ; and, at the same 
time, the French and Indians, under the guidance of Frontenac, the able governor 
of Canada,^ were traversing the northern frontiers of the province. Fletcher 
prudently listened to the advice of major Schuyler, 2 of Albany, respecting the 
Ind'ans; and under his leadership, the English, and their unwavering allies, the 
Five Nations, successfully beat back the foe to the St. Lawrence, and so deso- 
lated the French settlements [1G92] in the vicinity of Lake Champlain,^ that 
Frontenac was glad to remain quiet at Montreal. 

21. The earl of Bellomont, an honest and energetic Irish peer, succeeded 
Fletcher in 1G98; and the following year, New Hampshire^ and Massachusetts' 
wwre placed under his jurisdiction. He commenced reform with great earnest- 
ness, and made vigorous efforts to suppress piracy,^ which had become a fearful 
scourge to the infant commerce of the colonists. With Robert Livingston''' and 
others, he fitted out an expedition under the famous captain Kidd, to destroy 
the buccaneers. Kidd, himself, was afterward hung for piracy [1701], and the 
governor and his friends were charged with a participation in his guilt. Kidd 
appears to have been a victim of a political conspiracy.^ 

22. Death removed Bellomont [March 16, 1701] when his liberal policy was 
about to bear fruit. He was succeeded by Edward Hyde, (afterward Lord Corn- 
bury, s) a libertine and a knave, who cursed the province with misrule for seven 
years. He was a bigot, too. and persecuted all denominations of Christians, 
except those of the Cliurch of England. He embezzled the public monies, in- 
volved himself in heavy debts, and on all occasions was the practical enemy of 
popular freedom. The people finally demanded and obtained his recall, and tlie 
moment his official career ceased [1708], his creditors cast him into prison, 



1. From 1678 to 1682, and agrain from 1689 to 1698, ■when he died, at the age of 77. 

2. Peter Schuyler. He was mayor of Albany, and acquired unbounded influence over (he Five Na- 
tions. Verse 2, p. 17. 

5. Schuyler's force was about three hundred Mohairhs, and as many English. They slew about three 
hundred of the French and Indians, at the north end of the lake. 

4. Verse 2, p. 59. 5. Verse 7, p. 86. 

6. Because Spain claimed the exclusive right to the West India seas, her commerce in that region was 
regarded as fair plunder. Privateer commissions were readilr granted by the English, French and 
Dutch governments ; and daring spirits from all countries were found under their flags. The buccaneers, 
as they were called, became very numerous and powerful, and at length depredated upon English com- 
merce as well as Spanish. Prirntters, or those legally authorized to seize the property of an enemy, be- 
came pf rates, or sea robbers. Privateering is only legalized piiacy. 

7. An immigrant from Scotland, and ancestor of the Livingston" family in this country. He was con- 
nected, by marriage, with the Van Rensselaer and Schuyler families ; and in 1685, received from governor 
Dongan a grant of a feudal principality (see^afroon, verse 2, p. 104^ on the Hudson, yet known as I^iv- 
ingston's Manor. 

8. Bellomont and his friends were accused of connivance with Kidd, and sharing the plunder with him. 
It appears quite certain that Kidd was made a scape-goat for others in high station. King William him- 
self was a shareholder in the e.;terprise for which Kidd was fitted out. Kidd appeared publicly in Boston, 
where he was arrested, sent to England, tried, and executed. 

9. Verse 7, p. 120. 



QiifiDtions. — 20. What causes made Fletcher's administration an exciting one? What was done against 
theFreuchand Indians? 21. Whnt occ'red early in the administration of Bellomont ? What expedition 
was arranged? and for what purpose? What was the result? 22. Who was Bellomont's successor ? What 
caused the people to hate him ? What was done to him ? What showed the power of the people ? 



MARYLAND. Ill 

•where he remained until his accession to the peerage, on the death of his father.' 
From this period, until the arrival of William Cosby, as governor [1732], the 
royal representatives, '^ unable to resist the will of the people, as expressed by 
the Assembly, allowed democratic principles to grow and bear fruit.^ 

23. Rip Van Dam, " a man of the people," was acting governor when Cosby 
came. They soon quarrelled, and two violent parties arose — the Democratic, 
which sided with Van Dam, and the Aristocratic, which supported the governor. 
Each party had the control of a newspaper,^ and the war of words raged vio- 
lently for a long time. The governor, unable to compete with his opponent, 
finally ordered the arrest of Zenger [Nov. 1734], the publisher of the Demo- 
cratic paper, on a charge of hbel. After an imprisonment of thirty-five weeks, 
Zenger was tried by a jury, and acquitted [July, 1735]. He was defended by 
Andrew Hamilton, of Philadelphia, who was presented by the magistrates of 
the city of New York with a gold box, as a token of their esteem for his noble 
advocacy of popular rights. Then was distinctly drawn the line of demarca- 
tion between republicans and royalists (Whigs and Tories), -^ which continued 
prominent until the war of the revolution was ended in 1783. 

24, The history of New York from the arrival of Cosby until the commence- 
ment of the French and Indian War,^ is composed chiefly of the records of 
party strife, and presents very little mattter of interest to the general reader. 
Only one episode demands special attention, namely, the excitement and results 
incident to a supposed conspiracy of the negroes [1'741], to burn and plunder 
the city, murder the inhabitants, and set up a government under a man of their 
own color. Several incendiary fires had occurred in rapid succession, and a 
house had been robbed by some slaves. The idea of a regular and horrid con- 
spiracy at once prevailed, and, as in the case of the Salem Witchcraft,''' an in- 
tense panic pervaded all classes, and many innocent persons sufiered.^ This is 
known in history as The Negro Plot. 



.^ «t ♦ ». »■ 



SECTION IV. 

MARYLAND. [1639.] 

1. Maryland had its colonial birth when the first popular Assembly convened 
at St. Mary, for legislative purposes, on the 8th of March, 1635.9 Its sturdy 

1. According to an unjust law of England, a Peer of the realm (who is consequently a memher of (he 
House of Lords, [note 4, p. 164]) cannot be arrested for debt. This law, enacted in the reign of Henry 
the Eighth, still prevails. 

2. Lord Lovelace, Ingoldsby, Hunter, Schuyler, Burnet, and Montgomene. 

3. We have already noticed (Verse 42, p. 99) the breaking out of Queen Anne's TTar in 1702, and the 
successful expeditions fitted out and sent in the direction of Montreal in 1709 and 1711. The debt which 
these expeditions laid upon New York was felt for many years. 

4. The New York Weekly Journal (Democratic), bv John Peter Zenger ; The Keir York Gazette (Aris- 
tocratic), by William Bradford. The latter owned the first press ever set up in the province. He com- 
menced priiiting in New York in 1696. See note 8, p. 136. 

5. Note 3, p. 171. 

6. Page 137. 7- Verse 40, p. 98. 

8. Before the panic was allayed, four white people were hanged, and eleven negroes were burned, 
eighteen were hanged and fifty were sent to the West Indies and sold. 

9. Verse 6, p. 61. 



Questions. — 23. What parties were formed in New York? How did Ihey oppose ench other? What 
occurred during their disputes ? 24. Wliat characteristics does Ihe hi^torv of New York present from 
Cosby to the French and Indian War 1 Can you relate the particulars of the Negro Plot ? 1. When was 
the birth, and where began the real growth of the Marylaad colony ? What was the form and character 
of its goTemment ? 



112 COLONIES. 

growth began when, in 1639, the more convenient form of representative gov- 
ernment was established. It was crude, but it possessed the elements of repub- 
licanism. The freemen chose as man}'" representatives as they pleased, and others 
were appointed by the proprietor. These, with the governor and secretary, 
composed the legislature. At this first session a Declaration of Rights was 
adopted ; the powers of the governor were defined ; and all the privileges en- 
joyed by English subjects were guarantied to the colonists.^ 

2. The Indians in the vicinity, becoming jealous of the increasing strength 
of the white people, began to evince hostility. Frequent cohisions occurred ; 
and in 1642, a general Indian War commenced in the region between the Poto- 
mac and the Chesapeake. It was terminated in 1645, but the quiet of the pro- 
vince was soon disturbed again. Clayborne had returned from England- [1645], 
and speedily fanned embers of discontent into a flame of open rebellion. He 
became too powerful for the local authorities, and governor Calvert^ was obliged 
to flee to Virginia. During a year and a half, the insurgents held the reins of 
government, and the horrors of civil war brooded over the colony. The rebel- 
lion was suppressed in the Summer of 1 646, and Calvert resumed his oflice, in 
August. 

3. An important law was enacted by the Assembly in 1649, known as The 
Toleration Act. Religious freedom was guarantied by the Charter,^ yet, as 
much animosity existed between the Protestants' and Roman Catholics, the As- 
sembly^' thought proper to give the principle the solemn sanction of law. By 
that act every professed believer in Jesus Christ, was allowed free exercise of 
his religious opinions, and no man was permitted to reproach another on account 
of his peculiar doctrines, except under the penalty of a fine, to be paid to the 
person so insulted. Thither persecuted Churchmen of New England, and op- 
pressed Puritans of Virginia, fled and found an asylum. This Act is the pride 
and glory of the early legislature of Maryland ; yet it was not the first instance 
in America, as is often alleged, when religious toleration received the sanction 
of law,''' 

4. Favored by events in the mother country, republicanism grew steadily in 
the new State. Royalty was abolished in England [1649], and for more than 
ten years the democratic idea was prevalent throughout the realm. Lord Balti- 
more, the proprietor of Maryland, professed republicanism on the death of the 
king, but he had been too recently a royalist to secure the confidence of Par- 
liament. Stone, his lieutenant, was removed from office [April 16, 1651] by 
commissioners (of whom Clayborne was one), who were sent to administer 
the government of the Colony. He was soon afterward [July 8] restored. 
On the dissolution of the Long Parliament, [1653]^^ Cromwell restored full pow- 
ers to the proprietor, but the commissioners, who withdrew to Virginia, returned 



1. Verse 6, p. 61. 2. Note 2, p. 61. 3. Verse 5, p. 61. 

4. Verse 4, p. 61. 5. Note 14, p. 45. 

6. Bozmaii, in his History of 3Iaryland, (II. 350-356) maintains that the majority of the members of 
the Assembly of 1649, were Protestants. 

7. In May 1647, the (xcneral Assembly of Rhode Island, convened at Portsmouth, adopted a code of 
laws which closed with the declaration that " all men might walk as their conscience persuaded them, 
without molestation, every one in the name of his God." This was broader toleration than the Maryland 
act contemplated, for it did not restrict men to a belief in Jesus Christ. 

8. Wher Charles the First was beheaded [Note 10, p. 78], the Parliament assumed supreme authority, 
and remained in permanent session. Cromwell, with an army at his back, entered that assembly in tine 
Autumn of 1653, ordered them to disperse, and assumed supreme power himself, uuder the title of Lord 
Protector. That British legislature is known in history as the Long Parliament. 



QveMiona. — 2. What events disturbed the tranquillity of the colonists '? 3. What important law was 
made in 1649? What were its principal features? How should it be regarded? 4. What political 
changes took place? What course did Lord Baltimore pursue? What did Cromwell eGect? 



# 



MARYLAND. 113 

soon afterward, and compelled Stone to surrender the government into their 
hands. 

5. The colonial government had been re-organized in the meanwhile. The 
legislative body was divided into an Upper and Lower House [1650]: the 
former consisting of the governor and his council, appointed by the proprietor, 
and the latter of representatives chosen by the people. At the same session, a 
law was passed prohibiting all taxes unless levied with the consent of the free- 
men. Political questions were freely discussed by the people ; and soon the two 
chief religious sects were marshalled in opposition, as prime elements of political 
parties. So great had been the influx of Protestants, that they now [1654] out- 
numbered the Roman Catholics as voters and in the Assembly. They acknowl- 
edged the authority of Cromwell, and boldly questioned the rights and privileges 
of an hereditary proprietor. • The Roman Catholics adhered to Lord Baltimore, 
and bitter religious hatred was fostered. The Protestants finally disfranchised 
their opponents, excluded them from the Assembly, and toward the close of 
1654 [Nov.], passed an act declaring Roman Cathohcs not entitled to the 
protection of the laws of Maryland. 

6. Civil war ensued. Stone returned to St. Mary, 2 organized an armed force 
composed chiefly of Roman Catholics, seized the colonial records and assumed 
the office of governor. Skirmishes ensued, and finally a severe battle was 
fought [April 4, 1655] not far from the site of Annapolis, in which Stone's 
party was defeated with a loss of about fifty men, killed and wounded. Stone 
was made prisoner, but his life was spared. Four other leading supporters of 
the proprietor were tried for treason and executed. 

7. Anarchy prevailed in the province for many months, when the discordant 
elements were brought into comparative order by the appointment of Josiah 
Pendall [July 20, 1656], as governor. He was suspected of fevoring the Ro- 
man Catholics, and was soon arrested by order of the Protestant Assembly. 
For two years bitter strife continued between the people and the agents of the 
proprietor, when, after concessions by the latter, Fendall was acknowledged 
governor [April 3, 1658]. His prudence secured the confidence of the people, 
but the death of Cromwell, [Sept. 1658,] presaging a change in the English 
government, gave them uneasiness. After long deliberation, the Assembly de- 
termined to avoid all further trouble with the proprietor, by asserting the 
supreme authority of the people. They accordingly dissolved the Upper 
House [March 24, 1660],3 and assumed the whole legislative power of the 
State. They then gave Fendall a commission as governor for the people. 

8. Monarchy was restored in England in June, 1660,'* and the original order 
of things was re-estabhshed in Maryland. Lord Baltimore having assured the 
new king that his republican professions ^ were only temporary expedients, 
was restored to all his proprietary rights, by Charles. Fendall was tried and 
found guilty of treason, because he accepted a commission from the rebellious 
Assemlily. Baltimore, however, wisely proclaimed a general pardon for all po- 
litical offenders in Maryland ; and for almost thirty years afterward, the province 
enjoyed repose. A law which established absolute political equality among pro- 
fessed Christians, was enacted ; and after the death of the second Lord Balti- 
more [Dec. 10, 1675], his son and successor confirmed it. 

1. According to the original charter, the heirs and successors of Lord Baltimore, were to be proprietors 
forever. 

2. Verse 5, p. 61. 3. Verse 5, p. 113. 4. Note 9, p. 79. 5. Verse 4, p. 112. 



Qiie.otion,'). — 5. What change in government had been effected ? What was the religions aspects and gene- 
ral sentiments I, f ihe colonists? 6. What were the chief events of a civil war in 1655 ? 7. What state of 
things existed for three years after the civil war ? What did the Assembly do ? b. What political changes 
now took place ? How did they effect the colony ? 



114 COLONIES 

9. Maryland was governed mildly and prudently under the new proprietor, 
Charles Calvert, and the people were prospering in their political quietude, when 
the Revolution in England' shook the colonies. The deputy governor of Mary- 
land hesitated to proclaim William and Mary,- and this was made a pretense, 
by a restless spirit, named Coode.^ for exciting the people. He gave currency 
to the absurd report that the local magistrates and the Roman Catholics, had 
leagued with the Indians^ for the destruction of all the Protestants in the col- 
ony. A similar actual coalition of Jesuits^ and savages on the New England 
frontiers. 6 gave a coloring of truth to the story, and the old religious feud in- 
stantly burned again intensely. The Protestants formed an armed association 
[Sept.' 1689] and, led on by Coode, they took forcible possession of St. Mary, 
and by capitulation, received the provincial records and assumed the govern- 
ment. They called a Convention, and invested it with legislative powers. Its 
first acts were to depose the third Lord Baltimore, and to re-assert the sovereign 
majesty of the people. 

10. The Convention managed public affairs until 1691, when the king 
unjustly deprived Baltimore of all his political privileges as proprietor [June 11], 
and made Maryland a royal province.''' Lionel Copley was appointed the first 
royal governor in 1692. New laws were instituted — religious toleration was 
abolished — the Church of England was made the established religion, to be 
supported by a tax on the people ; and in the State founded by Roman Catho- 
hcs, the members of that denomination were cruelly disfranchised, with the 
consent of their sovereign. 

11. In 1716, the proprietary rights of Lord Baltimore (now deceased) were 
restored to his infant heir, and the original form of government was re-estab- 
lished. Such continued to be the political complexion of Maryland until the 
storm of the Revolution, [1776] swept away every remnant of royalty and 
feudalism. 



-^« ♦ •»• 



SECTION V. 

CONNECTICUT. [1639.] 

1. The example of the Connecticut colony^ in forming a political constitu- 
tion [January 24, 1639], was speedily followed [June 4] by that of New Ha- 
YEN.9 The religious element was supreme in the new organization ; and, in 
imitation of the constitution of the Plymouth settlers, none but church mem- 

1. Note 6, p. 83. 2. Terse 29, p. 83. 

3. Coode had been a confederate in a former insurrection, but escaped conviction. 

4. A treaty with the Indians had just been renewed, and the customary presents distributed among 
them. This Coode falsely adduced as evidence of a coalition with the savages. 

5. Note 9, p. 9f). 6. Verse 35, p. 96. 

7. King William had an exalted idea of roval prerogatives, and was as much disposed as the Stuarts 
(the kinss of England from James the First, to James the Second) to suppress democracy in the colonies. 
He repeiitedly vetoed (refused his assent) to Bills of Rights enacted by the colonial Assemblies ; refused 
his assent to local laws of the deepest interest to the colonists ; and instructed his governors to prohibit 
jirinting in the colonies. Note 7, p. 82. 

8. Verse 14, p. 65. 

9. Verse 13, p. 65. The people assembled in a barn to form the new constitution. 



Questions.— 9. What was the effect of the Revolution in England, on Maryland ? What rumors were 
circulated? What commotions ensued ? 10. How came Maryland to be made a royal province? What 
changes then took place? What wrong was perpetrated? 11. What was the political condition of Ma- 
ryland from 1716 until the War for Independence? 1. What was the character of the New Haven Consti- 
tution ? 



CONNECTICUT. 115 

bers were allowed the privileges of freemen.^ They first appointed a commit- 
tee of twelve men, who selected seven of their members to be " pillars'' in the 
new State. These had power to admit as many otliers, as confederate legisla- 
tors, as they pleased. Theophilus Eaton was chosen governor,- and the Bible 
was made the grand Statute Book of the colony. 

2. Many of the New Haven settlers being merchants, they sought to found a 
commercial colony, but heavy losses by the wreck of vessels^ discouraged them, 
and they turned their special attention to agriculture. Prudence marked the 
course of the magistrates of the several colonies in the Connecticut valley, ■• 
and they were blessed with prosperity. But difficulties with the Dutch respect- 
ing territorial boundaries, ' and menaces of the neighboring Indians, gave them 
uneasiness, and made them readily join the New England confederation in 
1643.5 The following year the Uttle independent colony at Saybrook^ pur- 
chased the land of one of the proprietors of Connecticut,^ and became perman- 
ently annexed to that at Hartford.^ 

3. The treaty made with governor Stuyvesant at Hartford in 1650, i° gave 
token of future tranquillity. The repose was soon broken by international war. 
England and Holland drew the sword against each other in 1652; and because 
it was reported that Ninigret, the wily sachem of the Narragansets^^ had spent 
several weeks at New Amsterdam in the winter of 1652-3, '- the belief pre- 
vailed in New England, that Stuyvesant was leaguing with the Indians for the 
destruction of the English.^^ Great excitement ensued, and a majority of the 
Commissioners decided'^ [1653] upon war with the Dutch. Immediate hostih- 
ties were prevented by the refusal of Massachusetts to furnish its quota of sup- 
plies. The Connecticut colonies (who were more exposed to blows from the 
Dutch than any other) applied to Cromwell for aid, and he sent four ships of 
war for the purpose. Before their arrival,^' a treaty of peace was concluded 
between the two nations, and blood and treasure were saved. The Assembly 
at Hartford took possession of all property then claimed by the Dutch ; and 
after that the latter abandoned all claims to possessions in the Connecticut 
valley. 

4. On the restoration of Charles the Second [1660], the Connecticut colony 
expressed its loyalty, and obtained a charter. At first, Charles was disposed to 
refuse the application of "Winthrop,'^ the agent of the colony, for he had heard 
of the sturdy repubhcanism of the petitioners. But when Winthrop presented 
his majesty with a ring which Charles the First had given to his father, the 



1. Note 5, p. 87. 

2. He was annually chosen to fill the oflBce, until his death, which occurred in 1657. 

3. In 1647, a new ship belonging to the colonv, foundered at sea. It was laden with a valuable car- 
go, and the passengers belonged to some of the leading families in the colony. Several smaller vessels 
were lost during five or six years. 

4. Verse 7, p. 63. 5. Page 62, and note 3, p. 106. 6. Verse 15, p. 89. 7. Verse 6, p. 63. 
8. Verse 3, p. 62. 9. Verse 14, p. 65. 10. Note 3, p. 106. 11. Note 1, p. 106. 

12. This report was set afloat by Uncas, the mischievous Mohegan sachem [verse 10, p. 64], who hated 
the Narraganseta. It had no foundation in truth. See, also, verse 14, p. 15. 

13. Verse 8, p. 105. 14. Verse 15, p. 89. 

15. Roger Williams, then in England, managed to delay the sailing of the fleet, and thus, again, that 
eminent peace maker prevented bloodslied. Verse 9, p. 64. 

16. John Winthrop, son cf governor Winthrop of Massachusetts. He was chosen governor of Con- 
necticut in 1637, and held the office several years. Such was his station when he appeared m England 
to ask a charter ot the kmg. Hopkins (who was one of the founders of the New Haven colony) was 
chosen the first governor of the Connecticut colony, and for several years he and Haynes were alter- 
nately chosen chief magistrates. 



OueMionx —2. Whvdid the New Haven settlers wish to found a commercial colony? What was the 
condition of the Connecticut settlements? What annexation took placer 3. What disturbed the tran- 
quillitv of the New England colonies ? What was the effe-^t and the termination of the disturbance? 
4. How did Connecticut obtain a charter from the king ? What boundaries did it define ? What dilh- 
culties ensued? 



116 COLONIES. 



1 



heart of the king was touched, and he granted a charter [May 30, 1662] which 
not only confirmed the popular constitution of the colony, but contained more 
hberal provisions than any yet issued from the royal hand.^ It defined the 
Eastern boundary of the province to be Narraganset Bay, and the Western, the 
Pacific Ocean. It thus included a portion of Rhode Island, and the whole 
Neio Haven Colony.'^ The latter gave a reluctant consent to the union in 1665, 
but Ehode Island positively refused the alliance. A charter given to the latter 
the year after one was given to Connecticut [1663], ^ covered a portion of the 
Connecticut grant in Narraganset Bay. Concerning this boundary the two col- 
onies disputed for more than sixty years. 

5. With the exception of some settlements high np on the fresh water river, ■• 
the colony of Connecticut suffered but little during KiXG- Philip's War,^ 
which broke out in 1675. Yet it furnished its full quota of men and supplies, 
and its soldiers bore a conspicuous part in giving the vigorous blows which 
broke the power of the New England Indians.^ At the same time the colonists 
were obliged to defend their liberties against the attempted usurpations of An- 
dres, then governor of New York.^ He claimed jurisdiction to the mouth of 
the Connecticut river, and in July, 1675, he proceeded to Saybrook with a small 
naval force, to assert his authority. lie was permitted to land ; but when he 
ordered the garrison in the fort to surrender, and began to read his commission 
to the people, captain Bull, the commander, ordered him to be silent. Perceiv- 
ing the strength and determination of his adversary, Andros wisely withdrew, 
and greatly irritated, returned to New York. 

6. Very little occurred to disturb the quiet and prosperity of Connecticut, 
during the next dozen years. Then a most exciting scene took place at Hart- 
ford, in which the liberties of the colony were perilled, Edmund Andros again 
appeared as a usurper of authority. He had been appointed governor of New 
England [1686],^ and on his arrival, demanded a surrender of all their charters. 
They all complied, except Connecticut. She steadily refused to give up the 
guaranty of her political rights ; and finally Andros proceeded to Hartford 
with sixty armed men, to enforce obedience. The Assembly were in session 
when he arrived [Nov. 10, 1687], and received him courteously. He demand- 
ed the surrender of the charter, and declared the colonial government dissolved. 

7. Already a plan had been arranged for securing the safety of the charter, 
and at the same time to preserve an appearance of loyalty. The debates were 
purposely protracted until the candles were lighted, at evening, when the char- 
ter was brought in and laid upon the table. Just as Andros stepped forward to 
take it, the candles were suddenly extinguished. The charter was seized by 
captain Wadsworth of the militia, and under cover of the night it was 
effectually concealed in the hollow trunk of a huge oak, standing not far from 
the Assembly chamber. i" When the candles were relighted, the members were 
in perfect order, but the charter could not be found. Andros assumed the gov- 
ernment, and with his own hand wrote the word Finis, after the last record of 

1. This original charter is now [1854], in the office of the Secretary of the State of Connecticut. It 
contains a portrait of Charles the Second, handsomely drawn in India ink, and forming' part of an initial 
Ifiter. This was the instrument afterward liidden in the great oak. See Verse 7, p. 116. 

2. Verse 13, p. 65. Thus the several settlements were united under the general name of Connecticut. 

3. Verse 2, p. 118. 4. Verse 1, p. 62. 5. Page 92. 6. Verse 15, p. 16. 
7. Verse 14, p. 108. 8. Verse 33, p. 96. 

9. This tree is yet (1854) vijjorous and may remain a century yet. It is upon a green slope, on the south 
side of Charter street, a few rods from Main street, in the city of Hartford. The opening into the cav- 
ity where the charter was concealed more than 166 years ago,' is partially closed. 



Questions. — 5. How was Connecticut effected by Indian Wars ? What usurpation did Andros attempt ? 
and what was the result ? C. What exciting scene occurred at Hartford in 1687 ? 7- How did the Con- 
necticut people preserve their charter ? What tlien occurred ? 



RHODE ISLAIsD. 



117 






^^^ 




THE CHARTER OAK. 



the Charter Assembly. The government was 
administered in his own name until he was 
driven from Boston in 1689/ when the charter 
was taken from the oak [May 19, 1689], a popu- 
lar Assem.bly was convened Robert Treat was 
chosen governor, and Connecticut again assumed 
her position as an independent colony. 

8. A little more than four years later, the 
Connecticut people were again compelled to as- 
sert their chartered liberties. Colonel Fletcher, 
then governor of New York,'^ held a commission 
which gave him command of the militia of Con- 
nect) cut. 3 As that power was reserved to the 
colony by the charter, the Legislature refused to 

acknowledge Fletcher's authority. In November, 1693, he repaired to Hart- 
ford, and, notwithstanding the legislature was in session, and again promptly 
denied his jurisdiction, he ordered the militia to assemble. The Hartford com- 
panies, under captain Wadsworth,^ were drawn up in Hne ; but the moment 
Fletcher attempted to read his commission, the drums were beaten. His angry 
order of " Silence I" was obeyed for a moment ; but when he repeated it, Wads- 
worth boldly stepped iu front of him and said, " Sir. if they are again interrupt- 
ed, I'll make the sun sliine through you in a moment." Fletcher perceived the 
futility of a parley, or further assumption of authority ; and pocketing his com- 
mission, he and his attendants returned to New York, greatly chagrined and 
irritated. The matter was compromised when referred to the king, who gave 
the governor of Connecticut militia jurisdiction in time of peace, but in the 
event of war, colonel Fletcher should have the command of a certain portion of 
the troops of that colony. 

9. Connecticut had now [1100], a population of about thirty thousand, which 
rapidly increased during the remainder of her colonial career. During Queen 
Anne's War^^ and the stirring events in America from that time until the com- 
mencement of the French and Indian War,^ when her people numbered one 
hundred thousand, Connecticut went hand in hand with her sister colonics for 
mutual welfare ; and her history is too closely interwoven with theirs to require 
further separate notice. 



^ » > ^ 9-»~^»— 



SECTION YI. 

RHODE ISLAND. [1644]. 

1. Rhode Island commenced its independent colonial career in 1644, when 
the Providence and Rhode Island plantations were united under the same gov- 



1. Verse 33, p. 96. 2. Verse 20, p. 110. 

3. The declared object of this commission was to enable Fletcher to call forth the Connecticut mili- 
tia when proper, to repel an expected invasion of Northern New York, by the French and Indians. 

4. Verse 7, p. 116. 5. Page 100, 6. Page 137. 



QuestionK.—9,. What other attempted usurpation did the Connecticut people repel ? How wasit done . 
Whiit was the result? 9. What was the general condition and progress of Connecticut ? 1. When did 
Rhode Island commence its colonial career? What was its relation to Massachusets? 



118 COLONIES. 

ernment.' That charter was confirmed by the Long Parliament - in October, 
1652, and this put an end to the persevering efforts of Massachusetts to absorb 
"■ Williams's Narraganset Plantations." That colony had always coveted the 
beautiful Aquiday,-^ and feared the reaction of Williams's tolerant principles 
upon the people from whose bosom he had been cruelly expelled.^ A dispute 
concerning the eastern boundary of Rhode Island was productive of much ill 
feeling during the progress of a century, when commissioners decided [1741] 
the present line to be the proper division, and wrangling ceased, 

2. Like other colonics, Rhode Island was disturbed by internal commotions, 
growing out of religious disputes and personal ambition. These were quieted 
toward the close of 1653, when Roger Williams was chosen president. Crom- 
well confirmed the royal charter [May 22, 1655] ; and during his administration, 
the colony prospered. On the accession of Charles the Second, ^ Rhode Island 
applied for and obtained a new charter [July 8, 1663], highly democratic in its 
general features, and similar, in every respect, to the one granted to Connecti- 
cut.s The first governor elected under this instrument, was Benedict Arnold; 7 
and by a colonial law, enacted during his first administration, the privileges of 
freemen were granted only to freeholders, and their eldest sons. 

3. Rhode Island yielded to Andros^ in January, 1687 ; but the moment intel- 
ligence reached the people of the accession of William and Mary^ [May 11, 
1689], and the imprisonment of Andros at Boston,'" thejj assembled at Newport, 
resumed their old charter, and re-adopted their seal — an anchor, with Hojye for 
a motto. Under this charter, Rhode Island continued to be governed for one 
hundred and fift^y-seven years, when the people, in representative convention 
[1842], adopted a constitution." Newport soon became a thriving commercial 
town; and when, in 1732, John Franklin established there the first newspaper 
in the colony, it contained five thousand inhabitants, and the whole province 
about eighteen thousand.'' Near Newport the celebrated Dean Berkeley pur- 
chased lands [1729]; and with him came John Smibert, an artist, who intro- 
duced portrait painting into America. '3 Notwithstanding Rhode Island was ex- 
cluded from the New England confederacy,'^ it always bore its share in defensive 
efforts ; and its history is identified with that of New England in general, from 
the commencement of King William's War.'j 

1. Verse 6, p. 67. A general assembly of deputies from the several towns, met at Portsmouth on the 
29th of May, 1647, anrl organized the new government by the election of a president and other othcers. 
At that time a code of laws was adopted, which declared the government to be a democracj', and that 
" all men misiht w.-ilk as their consciences persuaded them." Verse 3, p. 112. 

2. Verse 4,"p. 112. 3. Note 12, p. 66. 4. Verse 2, p. 66. 5. Verse 15, p. 79. 

6. Verse 4, p. 115. This charter guarantied free toleration in religious matters, and the legislature 
of the colony re-asserted the principle, so as to give it the poi)ular force of law. The assertion, made by 
some, that Roman Catholics were excluded from voting, and that Quakers were outlawed, is erroneous. 

7. He was governor several times, serving in that office, altogether, about eleven years. He was chief 
magistrate of the colony when he died, in 1678. 

8. Verse .33, p. 96. 9. Verse 33, p. 96. 10. Verse 33, p. 96. 11. Verse 6, p. 296. 

12. Of these, about 1000 were Indians, and more than 1,600 were negroes. 

1.3. Berkeley preached occasionally in a small Episcopal church at Newport, and presented the congre- 
gation with an organ, the first ever heard in America. Smibert was a Scotchman, and married and 
saltle'l at Boston. His picture of Berkeley and his family is still preserved at Yale College [verse 
10, p. 1.36], ill New Haven. Berkeley (afterward made bishop of a diocese in Ireland) made great efforts 
t ).var 1 the establishment of the Arts and Learning, in America. Failing in his project of founding a 
new University, he became one of the most liberal benefactors of Yale College. In view of the future 
progress of the colonies, he wrote that prophetic poem, the last verse of whicli commences with the oft- 
quoted line — 

" Westward the course of Empire takes its wa}\" 

14. Verse 15, p. 89. 15. Verse 34, p. 96. 



Questions. — 2. What disturbed the colony? What was the character of a new charter? What law was 
enacted? 3. What did the people do when they heard of the imprisonment of Andros? What can you 
tell of Newport and the population of Rhode Island ? For what was it remarkable r 



NEW JEKSEY. 119 

SECTION VIT. 

NEW JERSEY. [1664.] 

1. "We have considered the settlements in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Dela- 
ware, in the same section,^ as constituting a series of events having intimate re- 
lations with each other. The history of the colonial organization of the first 
two, is separate and distinct. Delaware was never a separate colony or state 
until after the Declaration of Independence in 1776. 

2. The founding of the New Jersey colony occurred when, in 1664, the duke 
of York sold the territory to lord Berkeley and Sir George Carteret ; 2 and tlio 
new proprietors began the work of erecting a State. They published a form of 
agreement, which they called "Concessions," 3 in which liberal ofters were made 
to emigrants who might settle within the territory. Among other provisions, 
the people were to be exempt from the payment of quit-rents and other burdens, 
for the space of five years. Allured by the liberality of the "Concessions," as 
well as by the salubrity of the climate and the fertihty of the soil, many fam- 
ilies came from Long Island [1664], and settled at Elizabethtown ; 4 and in 
August the following year, Philip Carteret (brother of one of the proprietors), 
was appointed governor, and arrived at Elizabethtown with a number of 
settlers. 

3. Nothing disturbed the repose of the colony during the five years' exemp- 
tion from rents; but when, in 1670, the specified halfpenny, for the use of each 
acre of land, was required, murmurs of discontent were loud and universal. 
Those who had purchased land from the Indians, denied the right of the pro- 
prietors to demand rent from them ; and some of the towns had even denied the 
authority of the Assembly, at its first sitting in 1668. The whole people com- 
bined in resisting the payment of quit-rents; and after disputing with the pro- 
prietors almost two years, they revolted, called a now Assembly, appointed a 
dissolute, illegitimate son of Sir George Carteret, governor [May 1672], and soon 
[July] compelled Philip Carteret to leave the province. Preparations were in 
progress to coerce the people into submission, when New Jersey, and all other 
portions of the territory claimed by the duke of York, fell [Aug. 1673] into the 
hands of the Dutch.'' 

4. On the restoration of the territory to the English^ [Nov. 1674], the duke of 
York procured a new charter ;7 and then, regardless of the rights of Berkeley 
and Carteret, he appointed Edmund Andres, "the tyrant of iSTew England,"'^ 
governor of the whole domain [July 11, 1674]. Carteret demurred, and the 
duke partially restored his rights ; not, however, without leaving Andres a suf- 



1. Chap. III., sec. VIII., p. 67. 

2. Verse 7, p. 69. The province was called New Jersey in honor of Carteret, who was governor of the 
island of Jersey, in the British Channel, during the civil war. He was a staunch royalist, and was the 
last conimander to lower the royal flag, when the Parliament had triumphed. 

3. This was a sort of conMitntion, which provided for a government to be composed of a Governor and 
Council appointed by the proprietors, and an Assembly chosen by the freeholders of the province. The 
legislative power resided in the Assembly ; the executive in the Governor. The Council and the Assem- 
bly were each restricted to twelve members. 

4. So called, in honor of Elizabeth, wife of Sir George Carteret. 

5. Verse 14, p. 108. 6. Verse 14, p. 108. 7- Verse 14, p. 108. 8. Verse 33, p. 96. 



Questions. — 1. What is the difference in the history of the settlement and the colon;/ of New Jersey ? 2. 
When was the colony founded? What advantages were offered to settlers ? Wliat settlers came? 3. 
How long was the province quiet ? What events produced commotion ? What ended them temporarily ? 
4. How did the duke of York treat the proprietors of New Jersey? How came a portion of the province 
to change owners ? How was it divided ? 



120 COLONIES. 

ficiont pretence for asserting his authority, and producing annoj^ancrs. Berk- 
eley had become disgusted, and sold his interest in the province [March 28, 
1674] to Edward Byllinge, an English Quaker. Pecuniary embarrassment 
caused Bylhnge to assign his interest to William Penn [1675] and two others.^ 
These purchasers, unwilling to maintain a political union with other parties, suc- 
cessfully negotiated with Carteret for a division [July 11, 1676] of the province. 
Carteret received the eastern portion as his share, and the Quakers the western 
part. From that time the divisions were known as East and West Jersey. 

5. The proprietors of West Jersey gave the people a remarkably liberal con- 
stitution of government [March 13, 1677] ; and in 1677, more than four hundred 
Quakers came from England and settled below the Raritan. Andros required 
them to acknowledge the authority of the duke of York. They refused ; and the 
matter was referred to the eminent Sir William Jones for adjudication, who 
decided against the claims of the duke. The latter submitted to the decision, 
released both provinces from allegiance to him, and the Jerseys became inde- 
pendent of foreign control. The first popular assembly in West Jersey met at 
Salcin in November, 1681, and adopted a code of laws for the government of the 
people.2 

6. After the death of Carteret [Dec. 1679], the trustees of his estate offered 
East Jersey for sale. It was purchased by William Penn and eleven of his 
brethren [Feb. 11, 1682], who obtained a new charter, and appointed [July 
27, 1683] Robert Barclay,^ a very eminent Quaker preacher, from Aberdeen, 
governor for life. A large number of his sect came from Scotland and England ; 
and others from New England and Long Island settled in East Jersey to enjoy 
jirosperity and repose. But repose, as well as the administration of Barclay, was 
of short duration ; for when James succeeded Charles,^ he appeared to consider 
his contracts made while clulie^ not binding upon his honor as liing. He sought 
to annul the American charters, and succeeded, as we have seen, in subverting 
the governments of several,5 through the instrumentality of Andros. The Jer- 
seys were sufferers in this respect, and were obliged to bow to the tyrant. 

7. When Andros was driven from the country in 1689,^ the Jerseys were 
left without regular governments, and for more than twelve years anarchy pre- 
vailed in those provinces. The claims of the proprietors to jurisdiction, were 
repudiated by the people; and in 1702, they gladly relinquished the govern- 
ment by surrendering it [April 25] to the crov/n." The two provinces were 
united as a I'oyal domain, and placed under the government of Lord Cornbury 
[July], the licentious ruler of New York.^ 

8. New Jersey remained a dependency of New York, with a distinct legisla- 
tive assembly of its own, until 1738, when, through the efforts of Lewis Morris,^- 
the connection was forever severed. Morris was ai^poiuted the first royal gov- 

1. These purchasers immediately sold one hnlf of their interest to the earl of Perth, from -whom the 
present town of Perth Amboy derives a part of i(s name. Amboy, or Amho, is an Indinn name. 

2. A remarkable law was enacted at that session. It provided that in all criminal cases, except trea- 
son, murder and theft, the aggrieved party should have power to pardon the offender. 

3. He was the author of "An Apology for Quakers," a work highly esteemed by his sect. It was 
written in Latin, and transliited into several continental languages. Barclay and Penn were intimate 
personal friends, and travelled much together. He died in Ury, in 1690, aged 42 years. 

4. Verse 28, p. 83. 5. Verse 33, p. 96 ; verse 3, p. 118 ; verses 6 and 7, p. 116. 6. Verse 33, p. 96. 
7. The proprietors retained their property in the soil, and their claims to quit-rents. Their organization 

has never ceased ; and unsold, barren tracts of land in West Jersey are still held by that ancient tenure. 

8 Verse 22, p. 110. 

9. Son of an officer in ( .romwell's army, who purchased an estate near New York, known as Morris- 
iana. He died in 1746. A part of that estate yet [1854] remains iu possesion of the Morris family. 



Quefitiom. — 5. What caused the rapid settlement of West Jersey ? How came a popular assembly to be 
established in West Jersey ? 6. What changes took place in East Jersey? What did James, asking, 
attempt to do? and what did he accomplish? 7- What occurred after the expulsion of Andros? 8. How 
long was New Jersey a dependency of New York? When was it made an independent royal province? 



PENNSYLVANIA. ' 121 

ernor of New Jersey, and managed public affairs with ability and general satis- 
faction. From that period until the independence of the colonies was declared 
in 1776, the history of New Jersey presents but few events of interest to the 
general reader. 



i^ .> ♦ >»»i 

SECTION VIII. 

PENNSYLVANIA. [1682.] 

1. Pennsylvania began its colonial career when, in the Autumn of 1682, 
Wilham Penn arrived, ^ and by a surrender by the agents of the Duke of York, 
and a proclamation in the presence of the popular Assembly, the Territories which 
now constitute the State of Delaware, were united with his province.^ Akeady 
he had proclaimed his intention of being governed by the law of kindness^ in his 
treatment of the Indians ; and when he came, he proceeded to lay the foundation 
of his new State upon Truth and Justice. "Where the Kensington portion of 
the city of Philadelphia now stands, he met the Delaware chiefs in council, 
under the leafless branches of a wide-spreading elm* [Nov. 4, 1682], and there 
made with them a solemn covenant of peace and friendship, and paid them the 
stipulated price for their lands. "We meet," he said, "on the broad pathway 
of good faith and good will ; no advantage shall be taken on either side, but all 
shall be openness and love." The Indians were dehghted, and their hearts 
melted with good feehng. Such treatment was an anomaly in the history of the 
intercourse of their race with the white people. Even then the fires of a disas- 
trous war were smouldering on the New England frontiers.^ It was wonderful 
how the savage heart, so lately the dwelling of deepest hatred toward the white 
man, became the shrine of the holiest attribute of our nature. "We wUl live 
in love with William Penn and his children," they said, "as long as the moon 
and the sun shall endure." They were true to their promise — not a drop of 
Quaker blood was ever shed by an Indian. 

2. Soon after Penn's arrival,^ he proceeded to lay out a capital city [Nov. 1682], 
upon lands purchased from the Swedes, lying between the Delaware and the 
Schuylkill rivers. The boundaries of streets were marked upon the trunks of 
the chestnut, walnut, pine, and other forest trees which covered the land,^ and 
the city was named Philadelphia, which signifies brotherly love. Within twelve 
months almost a hundred houses were erected, ^ and the Indians came daily 

1. Verse 12, p. 70. 2. Verse 11, p. 70. 

3. By his direction, his agent, William Markham, had opened a friendly correspondence with the In- 
dians, and Penn himself had addressed a letter to them, assuring them of his love and brotherly feelings 
toward them. 

4. The Penn Society of Philadelphia erected a monument upon the spot where the venerable elm stood, 
near the intersection of Hanover and Beach streets. The tree was blown down in 1810, and was found 
to be 283 years old. The monument is near the intersection of Hanover and Beach streets, Kensington. 

5. King Philip's War, p. 92. 6. Verse 12, p. 70. 

7. This fact was the origin of the names of Chestnut, Walnut, Pine, Spruce and other streets in Phil- 
adelphia. For many years after the city was laid out, these street marks remained, and afforded shade 
to the inhabitants. 

8. Markham, Penn's agent, erected a house for the proprietor's nse, in 1682. It is yet [1854] standing in 
Letitia court, the entrance to which is from Market street, between Front and Second streets. Another, and 
finer house was occupied by Penn in 1700. It vet remains on the corner of Norris's alley and Second 
street. It was the residence of General Amold'in 1778. Note 6, p. 209. 



Questions. — 1. How was the State of Pennsylvania founded? Can yon relate the particulars of hi- 
treaty with the Indians ? What effect did his kindm^ss h-vve upon them? 2. Relate the circumstances 
concernijig the founding and early growth of Philadelphia. What were the prospects of the new State ? 

6 




122 COLONIES. 

^^^^^'fe=-jfl^r^ with wild fowl and venison, as presents for their " good 

Father Penn." Never was a State blessed with a 
more propitious beginning, and internal peace and 
prosperity marked its course while the Quakers con- 
trolled its councils. 

3. Penn convened a second Assembly at Philadel- 
phia, in March, 1683, and then gave the people a 
" Charter of Liberties," signed and sealed by his ov/n 
hand. It was so ample and just, that the government 
was really a representative democracy. Free religious 
. .,' „' ^./ toleration was ordained, and laws for the promotion 

of public and private morality were framed.' Unlike 
other proprietors, Penn surrendered to the people his rights in the appointment 
of officers, and until his death, his honest and highest ambition appeared to be 
to promote the happiness of the colonists. Because of this happy relation be- 
tween the people and the proprietor, and the security against Indian hostilities, 
Pennsylvania outstripped all of its sister colonies in rapidity of settlement and 
permanent prosperity. 

4. Penn returned to England in August, 1684, leaving five members of the 
Council, and Thomas Lloyd, as president, to administer the government during 
his absence. Soon afterward, the English Revolution occurred [1688] and king 
James was driven into exile.- Penn's personal regard for James continued after 
his fall; and for that loyalty, which had a deeper spring than mere political 
considerations, he was accused of disaffection to the new government, ^ and suf- 
fered imprisonments. In the meanwhile, discontents had sprung up in Pennsyl- 
vania, and the " three lower counties on the Delaware,"^ offended at the action 
of some of the Council, withdrew [April 11, 1691] from the Union.5 Penn 
yielded to their wishes so far as to appoint a separate deputy governor for them. 

5. Penn's provincial government was taken from him in 1692 [Oct. 31], and 
Pennsylvania was placed under the authority of governor Fletcher, of New 
York, who reunited the Delaware counties [May, 1693], to the parent province. 
All suspicions of Penn's disloyalty having been removed in 1694, his chartered 
rights were restored to him [Xng. 30], and he appointed his original agent, Wil- 
liam Markham, deputy governor. He returned to America at the close of 1699 
[Dec], and was pained to find his people discontented, and clamorous for greater 
political privileges. Considering their demands reasonable, he gave them a new 
charter, or frame of government [Nov. 6, 1701], more liberal in its concessions 
than the former. It was cheerfully accepted by the Pennsylvania people, but 
those of the Delaware territories, whose delegates had already withdrawn from 
the Assembly, [Oct. 20,] evidently aiming at independence, declined it._ Penn 
acquiesced in their decision, and allowed them a distinct Assembly. This satis- 
fied them, and their first independent legislature was convened at Newcastle in 
1703. Although Pennsylvania and Delaware ever afterward continued to have 
separate legislatures, they were under the same governor untU the Revolution 
hi 1776. 

1. It was ordained " that to prevent lawsnits, three arbitrators, to he called Peace Makers, should he 
apnoiiited hy the county courts, to hear and determine small differences between man and ma i ; that 
children should be taugrht some useful trade ; that factors wroneing their employers should make sp.tis- 
faction and one-third over ; that all causes for irreligion and vulgarity should be repressed, and that 1:0 
man should be molested for his relisrious opinions. 

2. Note 6, p. 83. 3. Verse 29, p. 83. 4. Verse 11, p. 70. 5. Verse 13, p. /O. 

Questions. — 3. What new form of government was given to the colony? What were Penn's aims? 
What caused the prospcritv of his colony? 4. What occurred soon after Penn's return to P.nglar.-^ ? 
What was the consequence "of his lovalty ? What did discontent effect ? 6. Whr\t occurred in 1G92 ? Wliy 
were Penn's rights restored? What concessions did he make to the colonists? What took place ia 
Delaware ? 



THE CAROLINAS. 123 

6. Soon after adjusting difficulties, and granting the new charter, Penn re- 
turned to England, Dec. [1701], and never visited America again. His depart- 
ure was hastened by the ripening of a ministerial project for abolishing all the 
proprietary governments in America. His health soon afterwards declined, and 
at his death he left his American possessions to his three sons, (Thomas, John, 
and Richard,) then minors, who continued to administer the government, chiefly 
through deputies, until the War for Independence in 1776. Then the common- 
wealth of Pennsylvania purchased all the claims of Penn's heirs in the province, 
for about five hundred and eighty thousand dollars. 



■^ .t » t. » 



SECTION IX. 

THE CAROLINAS. [1665-1680]. } 

1. "When settlements within the domain of the Carohnas became permanent, - 
and tides of emigration from various sources, flowed thitherward, the propri- 
etors began to have gorgeous visions of an empire in America, that should out- 
shine those of the old World. It then became their first care to frame a consti- 
tution of government with functions adequate to the grand design, and to this 
task, the Earl of Shaftesbury, one of the ablest statesmen of his time, and John 
Locke, the eminent philosopher, were called. They completed their labors in 
March, 1 669, and the instrument was called the Fundamental Constitutions.^ 
It was in the highest degree monarchical in its character and tendency, and 
contemplated the transplantation, in America, of all the ranks and aristocratic 
distinctions of European Society.^ The spirit of the whole thing was adverse to 
the feelings of the people, and its practical development was an impossibility ; 
so, after a contest between proprietors and colonists, for twenty years, the mag- 
nificent scheme was abandoned, and the people were allowed to govern them- 
selves, in their own more simple way.^ 

2. The disorders which prevailed when the first attempts were made to impose 
Shaftesbury's scheme of government upon the people, soon ripened into rebel- 
lion, especially m the Albemarle or northern colony.^ Excessive taxation 



1. On account of the expenses incurred in Pennsylvania, Penn was compellefl to borrow S30,000, and 
mortgage his province as security. This was the commencement of the State debt of Pennsylvania, 
now (1854) amounting to about $40,000,000. 

2. Verse 4, p. 71. and verse 6, p. 72. 

3. It consists of one hundred and twenty articles, and is supposed to have been the production, 
chiefly, of the mind of Shaftesbury. 

4. There were to be two orders of nobility ; the higher to consist of landgraves, or earls, the lower of 
caciques, or baronx. The territory was to be divided into counties, each containing 4a),000 acres, with 
one landgrave, and two caciques. There were also to be lords of manors, who. like the nobles, might 
hold courts and exercise judicial functions. Persons holding 50 acres, were to be freeholders ; the ten- 
ants held no political franchise and could never attain to a higher rank. The four estates of Proprietors, 
Earls, Barons and Commons, were to sit in one legislative chamber. The Proprietors were always to be 
eight in number, to possess the whole judicial power, and have the supreme control of all tribunals. The 
Commons were to have four members in the legislature to every three of the nobility. Thus an aristo- 
cratic majority was always secured, and the real representatives of the people, had no power. Every re- 
ligion was professedly tolerated, but the church of England, only, was declared to be orthodox. Such 
is an outline ot the absurd scheme proposed for governing the free colonists of the Carolinas. 

5. A governor with a council of twelve— six chosen by the proprietors, and six by the Assembly— and 
a House of Delegates chosen by the freeholders. 

6. Verse 2, p. 71- 



QueMionn.—fi. AYhv did Penn hasten from America ? How did he leave his province at his death, ar\\ 
how was it governed"? 1. What di I the proprietors of the Carolinas hope for ? Who framed a scheme oi 
government? What was its character? 2. What causes led to disturbances iu the northern colony? 
Who increased the discontents? What did the colonists do? 



121 COLONIES. 



Ail 



and commercial restrictions bore heavily upon the industry of the people, and 
engendered wide-spread discontent. This was fostered by refugees from Vir- 
ginia, after Bacon's rebellion [1676],^ who sought shelter among tlae people be- 
low the Roanoke. They scattered, broad-cast, over a generous soil, vigorous 
ideas of popular freedom, and a year after Bacon's death- the people of the Al- 
hemarle Counkj Colony^ revolted. The immediate cause of the the movement 
was the attempt of the acting governor to enforce the revenue laws against a 
New England vessel. Led on by John Culpepper, a refugee from the Carteret 
County Colony of South Carolina, ^ the people seized the chief magistrate [Dec. 
10, 1677] and the public funds, imprisoned him and six of his council, called a 
new Assembly, appointed a new magistrate and judges, and for two years con- 
ducted the affairs of government independent of foreign control. 

3. Culpepper went to England to plead the cause of the people, and was ar- 
rested and tried on a charge of treason. Shaftesbury procured his acquittal, and 
he returned to the Carolinas.' Quiet was restored to the colony, and until the 
arrival of the unprincipled Seth Sothel (one of the proprietors), as governor, the 
people enjoyed repose. Thus early the inhabitants of that feeble colony practi- 
cally asserted the grand political maxim, that taxation without representation^ 
is tyranny,^ for the defense of which our Revolutionary fathers fought, a century 
afterward. 

4. Sothel arrived in North Carolina in 1683. Martin says that " the dark 
shades of his character were not relieved by a single ray of virtue;" and Chal- 
mers asserts that "the annals of delegated authority included no name so in- 
famous as Sothel." He plundered the people, cheated the proprietors, and on 
all occasions prostituted his office to purposes of private gain. After enduring 
his oppression almost six years, the people seized him [1689], and were about 
sending him to England to answer their accusations before the proprietors, when 
he asked to be tried by the colonial Assembly. The favor was granted, and he 
was sentenced to banishment for one year, and a perpetual disqualification for 
the office of governor. He withdrew to the southern colony, where we shall 
meet him again.'^ His successor, Philip Ludwell, an energetic, incorruptible 
man, soon redressed the wrongs of the people, and restored order and good 
feelings. G-overnors Harvey and "Walker also maintained quiet and good will 
among the people. And the good Quaker, John Archdale, who came to govern 
both Carolinas in 1695, placed the colony in a position for attaining future pros- 
perity, hitherto unknown. 

5. While these events were transpiring in the northern colony, the people of 
the Carteret^ or southern colony, were steadily advancing in wealth and numbers. 
Their first popular legislature of which we have records, was convened in 1674,^ 
but it exhibited an unfavorable specimen of republican government. Jarring 
interests and conflicting creeds produced violent debates and irreconcilable di&- 



1. Verse 20, p. 80 2. Verse 25, p. 82. 3. Verse 2, p. 71. 4. Verse 6, p. 7?. 

5. Culpepper afterward became surveyor-general of the province, and in 1680, he was employed in 
laying out the new city of Charleston [verse 6, p. 125]. His previous expulsion from the southern colony, 
■was on account of his connection with a rebellious movement in 1672. 

6. Verse 6, p. 160. 7. Verse 9, p. 126. 8. Verse 6, p. 72. 
9. The settlers brought with them an imflnished copy of the '^Fundamental Constitution!','''' hnt they 

at once perceived the impossibility of conformity to that scheme of government. They held a " parlia- 
mentary convention" in 1672, and twenty delegates were elected by the people to act witli the governor 
and council, as a legislature. Thus early, representative government was established, but its operations 
seem not to have been very successful, and a legislature proper, of which we have any record, was not 
organized until 1674, when an upper and a lower House was established, and laws for the province were 
enacted. 



Questions. — 3. What did Culpepper do ? What principle did the people proclaim? 4. What misfor- 
tune occurred to the colonists ? What did they do with their governor? What restored quiet ? 5. What 
was doing in the southern colony ? What troubles disturbed the people? What did they achieve ? 



THE CAROLINAS. 



125 



cord. For a long time the colony was distracted by quarrels, and anarchy pre- 
vailed. At length the Stono Indians gathered in bands and plundered the 
plantations of grain and cattle, and even menaced the settlers with destruction. 
The appearance of this common enemy healed their dissensions, and the people 
went out as brothers to chastise the plunderers. They completely subdued the 
Indians, in 1680. Many of them were made prisoners and sold for slaves in 
the "West Indies, and the Stonos never afterward had a tribal existence. 

6. "Whilst thus annoyed by the Indians, many English families crossed the Ash- 
ley and seated themselves upon the more eligible locality of Oyster Point, where 
they founded the present city of Charleston, Mn 1680. There a flourishing village 
soon appeared ; and after the subju- 
gation of the Indians, 2 the old settle- 
ment was abandoned, and now not 
a vestige of it remains upon the cul- 
tivated plantation at Old Town, 
where it stood. The Dutch settlers^ 
spread over the country along the 
Edisto and Santee and i3lanted the 
seeds of future flourishing communi- 
ties, while immigrants from different 
parts of Europe and from New Eng- 
land swelled the population of 
Charleston and vicinity. 

7. Another popular legislature con- 
vened at Charleston in 1682. It 

exhibited more harmony than the first,* and several useful laws were framed. 
Emigration was now pouring in a tide of population more rapid than any of the 
colonies below New England had yet experienced. Ireland, Scotland,^ Holland 
and France, contributed largely to the flowing stream. In 1686-7, quite a large 
number of Huguenots, who had escaped from the fiery persecutions which were 
revived in France by the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, ^ landed at Charles- 
ton. English hatred of the French,''' caused the settlers to look with jealousy 
upon these refugees, and for more than ten years [1686 to 1697] they were de- 
nied thp rights of citizenship. 

8. The people of South Carolina continued restive under the proprietary rule ; 
and, like their brethren of the northern colony, they refused to accept Shaftes- 
bury's comphcated scheme of government."^ James Colleton, brother of one of 




CHARLESTON IN 1680. 



1. Note 5, p. 124. The above engraving illustrates the manner of fortifying towns, as a defence against 
foes. It exhibits the -walls of Charleston in 1680, and the location of churches in 1704. The points 
marked a aa &c., are bastions for cannons. P, English church ; Q, French church ; R, Independent 
church ; S, Anabaptist church ; and T, Quaker meeting house. 

2. Verse 5, p. 124. 

3. They had founded the village of Jamestown, several miles up the Ashley river. 

4. Verse 5, p. 124. 

5. In 1684, Lord Cardon, and ten Scotch families, who had suffered persecution, came to South Cai-o- 
lina, and settled at Port Royal. The Spaniards at St. Augustine claimed jurisdiction over Port Royal, 
and during the absence of Cardon [1686], they attacked and dispersed the settlers, and desolated their 
plantations. 

6. In the city of Nantes, Henry the Fourth of France issued an edict in 1598, in favor of the Hugue- 
nots, or Protestants, allowing them free toleration. The profligate Louis the Fourteenth, stung with re- 
morse in his old age, sought to gain the favor of heaven by bringing his whole people into the bosom of 
the Roman Catholic Church. He revoked the famous edict in 1686, and instantly the fires of persecution 
were kindled throughout the empire. Many thousands of the Protestants left France and found refuge 
in other countries. 

7. Verse 3, p. 137. 8. Verse 1, p. 123. 



Questiom. — 6. Wliere was a new settlement commenced? What became of the old one? What emi- 
grants came ? 7. What was done at Charleston in 1682 ? What immigrants were filling South Carolina ? 
How did the English regard some of them ? 8. How did they regard the Constitution made by Shaftes- 
bury ? What troubles did efforts to enforce it, effect? 



126 COLONIES. 

the proprietors, \ras appointed governor in 1686, and was vested with full pow- 
ers to bring the colonists into submission. His administration of about four 
years was a very turbulent one. He was in continual collision with the people, 
and at length drove them to open rebellion. They seized the public records, im- 
prisoned tiie secretary of the province, and called a new Assembly. Pleading 
the danger of an Indian or a Spanish invasion,' the governor called out the mi- 
litia and proclaimed the province to be under martial law.2 This measure only 
increased the exasperation of the people, and he was impeached, and banished 
from the province [1690], by the Assembly. 

9. It was in the midst of this turbulence and misrule, that Sothel arrived from 
North Carolina, pursuant to his sentence of banishment,^ and the people -un- 
wisely consented to his assumption of the office of governor. ^ They soon re- 
pented their want of judgment. For two years he plundered and oppressed 
them, and then the Assembly impeached and banished him [1692]. Then came 
Philip Ludwell to re-establish the authority of the proprietors, but the people, 
thoroughly aroused, resolved not to tolerate even so good a man as he, if his 
mission was to enforce obedience to the absurd Fundamental Constitutions.^ 
After a brief and turbulent administration, he gladly withdrew to Virginia, and 
soon afterward, the proprietors abandoned Shaftesbury's scheme [1693], and the 
good Quaker, John Archdale, was sent [1695] to administer a more simple and 
republican form of government, for both the Carolinas. 

10. Archdale's administration was short, but highly beneficial,^ and the people 
of South Carolina always looked back to the etibrts of that good man, with 
gratitude. He healed dissensions, established equitable laws, and so nearly ef- 
fected an entire reconciliation of the Enghsh to the French settlers, that in the 
year succeeding his departure from the province, the Assembly admitted the lat- 
ter [1697] to all the privileges of citizens and freemen. From the close of 
Archdale's administration, the progress of the two Carolina colonies should be 
considered as separate and distinct, although they were not pohtically separated 
until 1729.7 

NORTH CAROLINA. 

11. The permanent prosperity of North Carolina may be dated from the ad- 
ministration of Archdale,^ when the colonists began to turn their attention to 
the interior of the country, where richer soil invited the agriculturist, and the 
fur of the beaver and otter allured the adventurous hunter. The Indians along 
the sea-coast were melting away like frost in the sun-beams. The powerful 
Hatteras tribe,^ which numbered three thousand in Ealeigh's time, were reduced 
to fifteen bowmen ; another tribe had entirely disappeared, and the remnants of 
still others, had sold their lands or lost them by fraud, and were driven back to 
the deep wilderness. Indulgence in strong drinks and other vices of civihzation, 



1. The Spaniards at St. Augustine, had menaced the English settlements in South Carolina, and, as we 
have seen (note 5, p. 125), had actually broken up a little Scotch colony at Port Royal. 

2. Note 8, p. 129. 3. Verse 4, p. 124. 

4. On his arrival, Sothel took sides with the people against Colleton, and thus, in the moment of their 
anger, he unfortunately gained their good will and confidence. 

5. Verse 1, p. 123. 

6. The cnl'ture of rice was introduced into South Carolina during Archdale's administration. Some 
seed was given to the governor by the captain of a vessel from Madagascar. It was distributed amorg 
several planters, and thus its cultivation began. 

7. Verse 23, p. 129. 8. Verse 9, p. 126. 9- Note 1, p. 15. 



Questions.— 9>. What unwise act did the people perform ? What was the result, and how were they re- 
lieved? 10. What was the character of Archdale's administration? What public good did it effect? 
11. When did the prosperity of North Carolina begin? How were the Indians affected by the white 
people ? 



SOUTH CAROLINA. 127 

had decimated them, and their beautiful land, all the way to the Yadkin and 
Catawba, was speedily opened to the sway of the white man. 

12. In 1705, religion began to exert an influence in North Carolina, and the first 
Anglican church edilice was then built in Chowan county. The Quakers- mul- 
tiplied; and in 1707, a company of Huguenots,-^ who had settled in Virginia, 
came and sat dowa upon the beautiful banks of the Trent, a tributary of the 
Nease river. Two years later [1709J, a hundred German families, driven from 
their homes on the Rhine, by persecution, penetrated the interior of North Caro- 
lina, and under Count G-raffenried, founded settlements along the head waters of 
the Neuso, and upon the Roanoke. 

13. While settlements were expanding, and general prosperity blessed the 
province, a fearful calamity fell upon the inhabitants of the interior. The broken 
Indian tribes made a last effort, in 1711, to regain the beautiful countrj' they had 
lost. The leaders in the conspiracy to crush the white people, were the Tusca- 
roras^ of the inland region, and the Corees'' farther south and near the sea-board. 
They fell like lightning from the clouds upon the scattered German settlements 
along the Roanoke and Pamlico Sound. In one night [Oct. 2, 1711,] one hun- 
dred and thirt}^ persons perished by the hatchet. Along Albermarle Sound, the 
savages swept with the knife of murder in one hand, and the torch of desolation 
in the other, and for three days they scourged the white people, until disabled 
by fatigue and drunkenness. 

14. The people who escaped the massacre, called upon their brethren of the 
southern colony for aid, and Colonel Barnwell, with a party of Carolinians and 
friendly Indians of the southern nations.^ marched to their relief. He drove the 
Tuscaroras to their fortified town in the present Craven county, and there made 
a treaty of peace with them. His troops violated the treaty on their way back, 
by outrages upon the Indians, and soon hostilities were renewed. Late in the 
year [Dec, 1712], Colonel Moore' arrived from South Carolina with a few white 
men and a large body of Indians, and drove the Tuscaroras to their fort in the 
present Greene county, where he made [March 1713] eight hundred of them ijris- 
oaers. Tne remainder of the Tuscaroras fled northward in June, and joining 
their kindred on the southern borders of Lake Ontario, they formed the sixth 
nation of the celebrated Iroquois confederacy in the province of New York.^ 
A treaty of peace was made with the Corees in 1715, and North Carolina never 
afterward suffered from Indian hostilities.^ 

SOUTH CAROLINA. 

15. Soon after the commencement of Queen Anne's War,^'' [May, 1'702], gov- 
ernor Moore of South Carolina, proposed an expedition against the Spaniards at 
St. Augustine. ' ' The Assembly assented, and appropriated almost ten thousand 
dollars for the service. Twelve hundred men, (one half Indians) were raised, 
and proceeded, in two divisions, to the attack. The main division under the 
governor, went by sea, to blockade the harbor, and the remainder proceeded 

1. The established church of England was so called, to distinpruish it from the Romish church. 

2. Verse 18, p. 90. 3. Verse 7, p. 125. 
4. Verses 4, 5, p. 17. 5. Verse 11, p. 15. 

6. They consisted of Creel:i<, Cataicba.i, CJierol-ee.<i, and Yamojiseeii. See pages 18 to 21, inclusive. 

7. A son of James Moore, who was governor of South (Carolina in 1700. 

8. A'erse 5, p. 18. 

9. The province issued bills of credit (for the first time) to the amount of about forty thousand dollars, 
to defray the expenses of the war. 

10. Verse 42, p. 99. 11. Verse 15, p. 36. 



Q^textions. — What pood was marifestetl in North Carolina? What rew immigrants came? 13. What 
great calamity befel the settlers ? Can you relate the circumstances ? 14. How were the Indians chastised ? 
Can you relate other hostile events? What led to permanent peace? 15. What expedition was proposed 
in 1702 ? How was it attempted ? 



128 COLONIES. 

along the coast under the command of Colonel Daniels. The latter arrived first, 
and attacked and plundered the town. The Spaniards retired within their for- 
tress with provisions for four months ; and as the Carolinians had no artillery, 
their position was impregnable. 

16. Daniels was sent to Jamaica, in the "West Indies, to procure battery can- 
non, but before his return, two Spanish ships had appeared, and so frightened 
governor Moore that he raised the blockade, and fled. Daniels barely escaped 
capture, on liis return, but he reached Charleston in safety. This iU-advised 
expedition burdened the colony with a debt of more than twenty-six thousand 
dollars, for the payment of which, bills of credit were issued. This was the 
iirst emission of paper money in the Carolinas. 

17. An expedition against the Apalachian^ Indians (who were in league with 
the Spaniards), undertaken by governor Moore toward the close of the following 
year [Dec. 1703], was more successful. Their chief villages were between the 
Alatamaha and Savannah rivers. These were desolated. Almost eight hundred 
Indians were taken prisoners, and the whole territory of the ApalacMans was 
made tributary to the English. 

18. The province had scarcely become tranquil after this chastisement of the 
Indians, when a new cause for disquietude appeared. Some of the proprie- 
tors had long cherished a scheme for establishing the Anglican Church,- as the 
State religion, in the Carolinas. "When Nathaniel Johnson succeeded governor 
Moore, he found a majority of churchmen in the Assembly, and by their aid, 
the wishes of the proprietors were gratified. The Anglican Church was made 
the estabhshed religion, and Dissenters^ were excluded from all public oflBces. 
This was an usurpation of chartered rights, and the aggrieved party laid the 
matter before the imperial ministry. Their cause was sustained ; and by order 
of Parliament, the colonial Assembly repealed the law of disfranchisement 
[Nov. 1706], but the Church maintained its exalted position until the Revolu- 
tion. 

19. The attack upon St. Augustine* excited the ire of the Spaniards, and an 
expedition, composed of five French and Spanish vessels, ^ with a large body of 
troops, was sent from Havanna to assail Charleston, take possession of the prov- 
ince, and annex it to the Spanish domain of Florida-^ The squadron crossed 
Charleston bar [May 1706], and about eight hundred troops were landed at dif- 
ferent points. The people seized their arms, and led by the governor and colo- 
nel Rhett, they drove the invaders back to their vessels, after kilhng or capturing 
almost three hundred men. They also captured a French vessel with its crew. 
It was a complete victory. So the storm which appeared so suddenly and 
threatening, was dissipated in a day, and the sunshine of peace and prosperity 
again gladdened the colony. 

20. A more formidable tempest brooded over the colony a few years later, 
when a general Indian confederacy was secretly formed, to exterminate the 
white people by a single blow. "Within forty days in the spring of 1715, the 
Indian tribes from the Cape Fear to the St. Mary's, and back to the mountains, 
had coalesced in the conspiracy ; and before the people of Charleston had any 

1. A tribe of the MoMlian family [verse 1, page 20], situated south of the Savannah river. 

2. Note 1, p. 127. 3. Note 5, p. 56. 4. Verse 15, p. 127. 

5. It will be remembered [verse 42, p. 99J that iu 1702, England declared war against France, and 
that Spain was a party to the quarrel. 

6. Verse 18, p. 30. 

Questions. — 16. Can you relate the progress and the result of the expedition? 17. "What other expedi- 
tion was undertaken ? How did it end? 18. What new cause disturbed the repose of the colonists? 
What arbitrary measures were adopted ? How were they opposed ? 19. What effect did the attack on 
St. Augustine produce ? Can you relate the circumstances attending the attempted invasion of South 
Carolina, by the Spaniards? 20. What danger threatened South Carolina? What tribes formed a con- 
federacy. 



SOUTH CAROLINA. 129 

intimation of clanger, one hundred white victims had been sacrificed in the re- 
riiote settlements. The Creeks,^ Yamasees'^ and Apalachians^ on the south, con- 
federated with the Che7-okees^^ Catawbas' and Congarees'' on the west, in all six 
thousand strong ; while more than a thousand warriors issued from the Neuse 
region, to avenge their misfortunes in the wars of 1712-13 J It was a cloud of 
fearful portent, that hung in the sky ; and the people were filled with terror, for 
they knew not at what moment the consuming lightning might leap forth. 

21. At this fearful crisis, governor Craven acted with the utmost wisdom and 
energy. He took measures to prevent men from leaving the colony ; to secure 
all the arms and ammunition that could be found, and to arm faithful negroes to 
assist the white people. He declared the province to be under martial law,'^ and 
then, at the head of twelve hundred men, black and white, he marched to meet 
the foe who were advancing, with the knife, hatchet and torch in fearful activ- 
ity. The Indians were at first victorious, but after several bloody encounters, 
the Yamassees and their southern neighbors were driven across the Savannah 
[May 1715], and halted not until they found refuge under Spanish guns at St. 
Augustine. The Gherokees and their northern neighbors had not yet engaged 
in the war, and they returned to their hunting grounds, deeply impressed with 
the strength and greatness of the white people. 

22. The proprietary government was now drawing to a close. The governors 
being independent of the people, were often haughty and exacting, and the in- 
habitants had borne the yoke of their rule for many years, with great impa- 
tience. While their labor was building up a prosperous state, the proprietors 
refused assistance to them in times of danger, or re-imbursement of money ex- 
pended in the protection of the province from invasion. The whole burden of 
debt incurred in the war with the Yamasses, was left upon the shoulders of the 
people. The proprietors not only refused to pay any portion of it, but enforced 
their claims for quit-rents, with great severity. The people saw no hope in the 
future, but in royal rule and protection. So they met in convention ; resolved to 
forswear aU allegiance to the proprietors ; and on governor Johnson's refusal to act 
as chief magistrate, imder the king, they appointed [Dec. 21, 1719] colonel 
Moore^ governor of the colony. The matter was laid before the imperial gov- 
ernment, when the colonists were sustained, and South Carohna became a royal 
province.i*^ 

23. The people of the northern province^' also resolved on a change of gov- 
ernment ; and after a continued controversy for ten years, the proprietors sold to 
the king [1729] for about eighty thousand dollars, all their claims to the soil 
and incomes in both provinces. North and South Carolina were then separated. 
George Burrington was appointed the first royal governor over the former, and 
Robert Johnson over the latter. From that period until the commencement of 
the French and Indian war, 12 the general history of the Carolinas presents but 



I. Verse 2, p. 21. 2. Verse 4, p. 21. 3. Note 1, p. 128. 4. Verse 1, p. 19. 
5 Verse 1 t) IS 

6. This was a small tribe which inhabited the cowntry in the vicinity of Columbia, South Carolina. 

7. Verse 14, p. 127. , , . ., , ^ ^ . 

8. Martial law may be proclaimed by rulers, in an emergency, and the civjl law, for the time beinp, is 
made subservient to the military. The object is to allow immediate and energetic action for repelhng 
invasions, or for other purposes. 

9. Note 7, p. 127. . , 

10. The first governor, by royal appointment, was Francis Nicholson, who had been successively gov- 
ernor of New York [verse 17, p. 109j, Maryland, Virginia, and Nova Scotia. 

II. Verse 2, p. 71. " »- ' 12. Chap. IV. Sec. XII., p. 137. 



Questions.— 21. What measures did the governor adopt? Can you relate the incidents and results of 
the war ? What tribes were not engaged ? 22. How were the people treated by the proprietors ? W hat 
did the people do ? 23. What changes took place in the two provinces ? How did the change aflect the 
people? 

6* 



\ 



130 COLONIES. 

few features of interest, except the efforts made for defending the colony against 
the Spaniards and the Indians. The people gained very little by a change of 
owners ; and during forty-five years, until the revolution made the people inde- 
pendent, there was a succession of disputes with the royal governors. 



SECTION X. 

GEORGIA. [1732]. 

1. Oglethorpe's colony on the Savannah^ rapidly increased in numbers, and 
within eight years, twenty-five hundred emigrants were sent over, at an expense 
to the Trustees'2 of four hundred thousand dollars. Yet prosperity did not bless 
the enterprise. Many of the settlers were unaccustomed to habits of industry, 
and were mere drones ; and as the use of slave labor was prohibited, tillage was 
neglected. Even the industrious Scotch, German, and Swiss families who came 
over previous to 1740, could not give that vitality to industrial pursuits, which 
was necessary to a development of the resources of the county. 

2. Oglethorpe went to England in 1734, and returned in 1736, with about 
three hundred immigrants. Among them were one hundred and fifty Highland- 
ers, well skilled in military affairs. These constituted the first army of the 
colony during its early struggles. John Wesley, founder of the Methodist de- 
nomination, also came with Oglethorpe, to make Georgia a religious colony, and 
to spread the gospel among the Indians. He was unsuccessful ; for his strict 
moral doctrines, his fearless denunciations of vice, and his rigid exercise of ec- 
clesiastical authority, made him quite unpopular among the great mass of the 
colonists, who winced at restraint. The eminent George Whitefield also visited 
Georgia [1738], when only twenty -three years of age, and succeeded in estab- 
lishing an orphan asylum near Savannah, which flourished many years, and was 
a real blessing. The Christian efforts of those men, prosecuted with the most 
sincere desire for the good of their fellow-mortals, were not appreciated. Their 
seed fell upon stony ground, and after the death of Whitefield [1770,] his " House 
of Mercy " in Georgia, deprived of his sustaining influence, became a desolation. 

3. The rapid increase of the new colony excited the jealousy of the Spaniards 
at St. Augustine, and the vigilant Oglethorpe prepared to oppose any hostile 
movements against his settlement. He established a fort on the site of Augusta, 
as a defence against the Indians, and he erected fortifications at Darien, on 
Cumberland Island, at Frederica. (St. Simon's Island.) and on the north bank of 
the St. John, the southern boundary of the English claims. Spanish commis- 
sioners came from St. Augustine to protest against these preparations, and to 
demand the immediate evacuation of the whole of Georgia, and of all South 
Carolina below Port Royal.3 Oglethorpe, of course, refused compliance, and 
the Spaniards threatened him with war. 

4. In the winter of 1736-7, Oglethorpe went to England, and returned the 
following Autumn [Oct. 1737], bearing the commission of a brigadier, and lead- 



1. Verse 5, p. 74. 2. Verse 3, p. 73. 3. Note 5, p. 125. 

Questions. — 1. How did Oglethorpe's colony progress ? What causes retarded its prosperity ? 2 Who 
came with Oglethorpe on his return from England in 17M? What veliffious and benevolent efforts were 
made? How did they succeed? 3. What events troubled the colonists? What preparations for war 
did Oglethorpe make? What demands were made bv the Spaniards? 4. How were the Georgians pre- 
pared for defence in 1737 ? Why was an expedition against Florida planned ? How was it begun ? 



GEORGIA. 1-31 

iiig a regiment of six hundred well-disciplined troops, for the defence of the 
wiiole southern frontier of the English possessions.^ But for two years their 
services were not much needed; then war broke out between England and 
Spain [Nov. 1739], and Oglethorpe prepared an expedition against St. Augus- 
tine. In May, 1740, he entered Florida with four hundred of his best troops, 
some volunteers from South Carolina, and a large body of friendly Creek Indians,"^ 
in all, more than two thousand men. 

5. His first conquest was fort Diego, twenty miles from St. Augustine. Then 
fort Moosa, within two miles of the city, surrendered ; but when he appeared 
before the town and fortress, and demanded instant submission, he was answered 
by a defiant refusal. A small fleet under captain Price blockaded the harbor, and 
for a time cut off supplies from the Spaniards, but swift-winged galleys'^ passed 
through the blockading fleet, and supplied the garrison with several weeks' pro- 
visions. Oglethorpe had no artillery with which to attack the fortress, and 
being warned by the increasing heats of summer, and sickness in his camp, not 
to wait for their supphes to become exhausted, he raised the siege and returned 
to Savannah. 

6. The Spaniards, in turn, prepared to invade Georgia in the summer of 1742. 
An armament fitted out at Havana and St. Augustine, consisting of thirty-six 
vessels, with more than three thousand troops, entered the harbor of St. Simon's, 
and a little above the town of the same name, landed [July 16, 1742], and erected 
a batter}'! of twenty guns. Oglethorpe had been apprised of the intentions of 
the Spaniards, and after unsuccessfully applying to the governor of South Caro^ 
lina for troops and supphes, he marched to St. Simon's, and made his head-quar- 
ters at his principal fortress at Frederica. He was at Fort Simons, near the 
landing place of the invaders, with less than eight hundred men, exclusive of 
Indians, when the enemy appeared. He immediately spiked the guns of the 
fort, destroyed his stores, and retreated to Frederica. There he anxiously awaited 
hoped-for reinforcements and supplies from Carolina. 

7. Oglethorpe successfully repulsed several detachments of the Spaniards, who 
attacked him at Frederica,5 and finally he resolved to make a night assault upon 
the enemy's battery, at St. Simon's. A deserter (a French soldier) defeated his 
plan ; but the sagacity of Oglethorpe caused the miscreant to be instrumental in 
driving the invaders from the coast. He bribed a Spanish prisoner to carry a 
letter to the deserter, which contained information respecting a British fleet that 
was about to attack St. Augustine.*" Of course the letter was handed to the 
Spanish commander, and the Frenchman was arrested as a spy. The intelli- 
gence in Oglethorpe's letter alarmed the enemy ; and while the oflflcers were 
holding a council, some Carolina vessels, with supplies for the garrison at Fred- 
erica, appeared in the distance. Believing them to be part of the British fleet 

1. His commission gave him the commanrl of the militia of South Carolina also, and he stood as a guard 
between the English and Spanish possessions of the southern country. 

2. Verse 2, p. 21. 

3. A low built vessel propelled by both sails and oars. The war vessels of the ancients were all 
galleys. See Norman vessel, p. 25. 

4. A raised place on which cannons and mortars are arranged so as to oppose or attack an enemy. 
These are frequently raised for the purpose of attacking forts at particular points ; and they sometimes 
constitute the principal outworks, or ravelin.<), of a regular fortification. 

.5. The remains of Fort Frederica yet [1851] form a very picturesque ruin on the plantation of W. W. 
Hrtzzard, Esq., of St. Simon's Island. 

6. Oglethorpe addressed the Frenchman as if he was a spy of the English. He directed the deserter to 
represent the Georgians as in a weak condition, to advise the Spaniards to attack them immediately, 
and to persuade the Spaniards to remain three days longer, within which time six British men-of-war, 
and two thousand men, from Carolina, would probably enter the harbor of St. Augustine. 

Questions. — 5. Can you relate the incidents of this expedition? What was the result? 6. What invasion 
of Georgia took place? How did Oglethorpe oppose the Spaniards? 7. How did Oglethorpe manage to 
drive the Spaniards away ? Can you relate the incidents of the repulse? 



132 COLONIES. 

alluded to, the Spaniards determined to attack the Georgians immediately, and 
then hasten to St. Augustine. On their march to assail Frederica, they were 
ambuscaded in a swamp. Great slaughter of the invaders ensued, and the place 
is still called Bloody Marsh. The survivors retreated in confusion to their ves- 
sels, and sailed immediately to St. Augustine.' On their way, they attacked 
[July 19] the English fort at the southern extremity of Cumberland Island,2 but 
were repulsed with the loss of two galleys. The whole expedition was so dis- 
astrous to the Spaniards, that the commander (Don Manuel de Monteano) was 
dismissed from the service. Oglethorpe's stratagem saved Georgia, and, per- 
haps. South Carolina, from utter ruin. 

8. Oglethorpe went to England in 1 H3, and never returned to Georgia, where, 
for ten years, he had nobly labored to establish an attractive asylum for the 
oppressed.3 He left the province in a tranquil state. The mild military rule 
under which the people had lived, was now changed to civil government [174.3], 
administered by a president and council, under the direction of the Trustees,"* 
yet the colony continued to languish. Several causes combined to produce this 
condition. We have already alluded to the ineflBciency of most of the earlier 
settlers, and the prohibition of slave labor.^ They were also deprived of the 
privileges of commerce and of traffic with the Indians; and were not allowed the 
ownership, in fee, of the lands which they cultivated.^ 

9. In consequence of these restrictions, there were no incentives to labor, ex- 
cept to supply daily wants. General discontent prevailed. They saw the Car- 
gUnians growing rich by the use of slaves, and by commerce with the West 
Indies. Gradually the restrictive laws were evaded. Slaves were brought from 
Carolina, and hked, first for a short period, and then for a hundred years, or for 
life. The price paid for hfe-service was the money value of the slave, and the 
transaction was, practically, a sale and purchase. Then slave-ships came to 
Savannah directly from Africa; slave labor was generally used [IT 50], and 
Georgia became a planting state. At the expiration of the twenty-one years 
named in the patent, ^ the trustees gladly resigned the charter into the hands of 
the king [1752]; and from that tune until the Revolution, Georgia remained a 
royal province. 



SECTION XI. 

A RETROSPECT. [1492-1756]. 

1. We have now considered the principal events which occurred within the 
domain of our Republic from the time of first discoveries [1492] to the commence- 
ment of the last inter-colonial war,^ a hundred years ago. or about two hundred 
and sixty years. During that time, fifteen colonies were planted, » thirteen of 

1. They first burned Fort Simons, but in their haste, they left several of their cannons and a quantity 
of provisions behind them. 

2. Fort William. There was another small fort on the northern end of the island called Fort Andrew. 

3. Verse 3, p. 73. 4. Verse 3, p. 73. 5. Verse 1, p. 130. 

6. Verse 5. p. 85. 7. Verse 3. p. 73. 8. Chap. IV., Sec. xii., p. 137. 

9. Virginia, Plymouth, Maioachusetts Bay, New Hampshire, Connecticut, New Haven, Rhode 
Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, North and South Carolina, and 
Georgia. 

Questions. — 8. In what condition did Oglethorpe leave the province? What yet retarded the progress 
of the colony? 9. How was slave labor introduced into Georgia? How did it affect its prosperity? What 
change took place in 1752 ? 1. What events have we considered in the preceding pages? What colonies 
were formed? and what were their names in 1775? 



A KETROSPEOT. 133 

which \vere commenced within the space of about fifty-six years [1607 to 1673], 
By the union of Plymouth and Massachusetts,' and Connecticut and New 
Haven, 2 the number of colonies was reduced to thirteen, and these were they 
which went into the revolutionary contest in 1775. 

2. Several European nations contributed vigorous materials for these colonies ; 
and people of opposite habits, tastes, and religious faith, became commingled, 
after making impressions of their distinctive characters where their influence 
was first felt. England furnished the largest proportion of colonists, and her 
children always maintained sway in the government and industry of the whole 
country; while Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Holland, Prance, Sweden, Den- 
mark, and the Baltic region, contributed large quotas of people and other colon- 
ial instrumentalities. Churchmen and Dissenters, ^ Roman Catholics and 
Quakers,^ came and sat down beside each other. For a while, the dissonance 
of nations and creeds prevented entire harmony, but the freedom enjoyed ; the 
perils and hardships encountered and endured ; the conflicts with pagan sav- 
ages on one hand, and of hierarchaP and governmental oppression on the 
other, which they maintained for generations, shoulder to shoulder, diffused a 
brotherhood of feeling throughout the whole social body of the colonists, and re- 
sulted in harmony, sympathy and love. And when, as children of one family, 
they loyally defended the integrity of Great Britain (then become the " mother 
country" of nearly all) against the aggressions of the French and Indians^ [1756 
to 1763], and yet were compelled, by the unkindness of that mother, to sever 
the filial bond,^ [1776] their hearts beat as with one pulsation, and they struck 
the dismembering blow as with one hand. 

3. The character of the people of the several colonies, differed according to 
their origin and the influence of climate and pursuits. The Virginians and their 
southern neighbors, enjoying a mild climate, productive of tendencies to volup- 
tuousness and ease, were from those classes of English society where a lack of 
rigid moral discipline allowed free living and its attendant vices. They gener- 
ally exhibited less moral restraint, more hospitaUty, and greater frankness and 
social refinement than the people of New England. The latter were from among 
the middle classes, and included a great many religious enthusiasts, possessing 
more zeal than knowledge. They were extremely strict in their notions ; very 
rigid in manners, and jealous of strangers. Their early legislation, recognizing, 
as it did, the most minute regulations of social fife, often presented food for mer- 
riment.s Yet their intentions were pure ; their design was noble ; and in a 

1. Verso 38, p. 98. 2. Verse 4, p. 115. 3. Note 5, p. 56. 4. Note 4, p. 91. 

5. Hierarchy is, in a general sense, a priestly or ecclesiastical government. Such was the original form 
of government of the ancient Jews, when the priesthood held al)solute rule. 

6. Chap. IV., Sec. xii., p. 137. 7- Verse 10, p. 187. 

8. They assumed the right to regulate the expenditures of the people, even for wearing apparel, accord- 
ing to their several incomes. The general court of Massachusetts, on one occasion, required the proper 
otticers to notice the "apparel" of the people, especially their "ribands and great boots." Drinking 
of healths, wearing funeral badges, and many other things that seemed improper, were forbidden. At 
Hartford, the general court kept a constant eye upon the morals of the people. Freemen were compelled 
to vote under penalty of a fine of sixpence ; the use of tobacco was prohibited to persons under twenty 
years of age, without the certificate of a physician, and no others were allowed to use it more than once a 
day, and then they must be ten miles from any house. The people in Hartford were all obliged to rise 
in the morning when the watchman rang his bell. These are but a few of the hundreds of similar enact- 
ments found on the records of the New England courts. In 1646, the legislature of Massachusetts passed 
a law, which imposed the penalty of a flogging upon any one who should kiss a woman in the streets. 
More than a hundred years afterward, this law was enforced in Boston. The captain of a British man-of- 
war happened to return from a cruise, on Sunday. His overjoyed wife met him at the wharf, and he 
kissed her several times. The magistrates ordered him to be flogged. The punishment incurred no ig- 
nominy, and he associated freely with the best citizens. When about to depart, the captain invited the 
magistrates and others on board his vessel, to dine. When dinner was over, he caused all the magis- 
trates to be flogged, on deck, in sight of tlie town. Then assuring them that he considered accounts 
settled between him and them, he dismissed them, and set sail. 

Qitfxtions. — 2. What sort of people formed the colonics? Why were they united ? How did they man 
ifest unity? 3. What determined the character of the people of the several colonies? Can you give the 
general characteristics of those of each section of the country ? 



134 



COLONIES. 




EARLY N. E. HOUSE. 1 



great degree, its virtuous purposes were accom- ■^-^■^^-'^ ■■ ^IMK ^•^e.'i 
plished. They aimed to make every member of 
society a Ciiristian, according to their own pat- 
tern ; and if they did not fully accomplish their ob- 
ject, they erected strong bulwarks against those 
httle vices which compose great private and public 
evils. Dwelhng upon a parsimonious soil, and 
possessing neither the means nor the inclination 
for sumptuous living, indulged in by their southern 
brethren, their dwelhngs were simple, and theu- 
habits frugal. ^ 

4. The manners, customs, and pursuits of the Dutch, prevailed in New York, 
and portions of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, even a century after the Enghsh 
conquest of New Notherland- [1664], and society had become permeated by 
English ideas and customs. They were plodding money-getters ; abhorred change 
and innovation, and loved ease. They possessed few of the elements of progress, 
but many of the substantial social virtues necessary to the 
stability of a state, and the health of society. From these the 
Swedes and Fins upon the Delaware ^ did not difier much; 
but the habits of the Quakers, who finally predominated in 
West Jersey^ and Pennsylvania,^ were quite different. They 
always exhibited a refined simplicity and equanimity, without 
ostentatious displays of piety, which won esteem ; and they 
were governed by a religious sentiment without fanaticism, 
which formed a powerful safeguard against vice and im- 
morality. 

5. The early settlers of Maryland ^ were also less rigid 
moralists than the New Englanders, and greater formalists in 
in religion. They were more refined, equally industrious, but 
lacked the stability of character and perseverance in pur- 
suits, of the people of the East. But at the close of the period 
we have been considering [1756], the peculiarities of the in- 
habitants of each section, were greatly modified by inter- 
migration, and a general conformity to the necessities of their 
several conditions, as founders of new States in a wilderness. The tooth of 
religious bigotry and intolerance had lost its keenness and its poison, and when 
the representatives of the several colonies met in a general Congress" [Sept. 
1774], for the public good, they stood as brethren before one altar, while the 
eloquent Duche laid the fervent petitions of their hearts before the throne of 
Omnipotence.^ 

6. Agriculture was necessarily the chief pursuit of the colonists, yet during 
the time we have considered, manufactures and commerce were not whollv ne- 
glected. Necessity compelled the people to make manv things which their'pov- 
erty would not allow them to buy; and manual labor, especiallv in the New 
England provinces, was dignified from the beginning. The settlers came where 




DUTCHMAN. [1660] 



1. This is a picture of one of the oldest houses in New England, and is a favorable specimen of the 
best class of frame dwellings, at that time. It is yet standing [18541, we believe, near Medfield. in Mas- 
sachusetts* O L J, , 

2. Verse 12, p. 107. 3. Verse 4, p. 68. 4. Verse 4. p. 119. 
6. Verse 1, p. 60. 7. Verse 35, p. 171. 8. Verse 35, p. 171. 



5. Verse 10, p. 70. 



Questions. — 4. What do you know about the Dutch, Swedes and Quakers? 5. What kind of people 
settled Maryland? How did these several kinds of people agree at the beginning of the war for inde- 
pendence? 6. What was the chief pursuit of the colonists? Why was labor dignified ? What gave the 
colonists success? 



A KETEOSPECT. 135 

a throne and its corrupting influences were unknown, and whore the idleness 
and privileges of aristocracy had no abiding place. In the magnificent forests 
of the New World, where a feudal lord^ had never stood, they began a life full 
of youth, vigor, and labor, such as the atmosphere of the elder governments of 
the earth could not sustain. They were compelled to be self rehant, and what 
they could not buy from the workshops of England for their simple apparel and 
furniture, and implements of culture, they rudely manufactured, 2 and were 
content. 

1. Their commerce, too, had but a feeble infancy, and never, until they were 
politically separated from Great Britain [1776], could their interchange of com- 
modities be properly dignified with the name of Commerce. England early became 
jealous of the independent career of the colonists in respect to manufactured ar- 
ticles, and navigation acts ^ and other unwise and unjust restraints upon the ex- 
panding industry of the Americans, were brought to bear upon them. As early 
as 1636, a Massachusetts vessel of thirty tons made a trading voyage to the West 
Indies; and two years later [1638], another vessel went from Salem to New 
Providence, and returned with a cargo of salt, cotton, tobacco, and negroes.* 
This was the dawning of commerce in America. The Eastern people also en- 
gaged quite extensively in fishing, and all were looking forward to wealth from 
ocean traffic, as well as that of the land, when the passage [1660] of the second 
Navigation Act' evinced the jealousy of Great Britain. From that period, the 
attention of Parliament was often directed to the trade and commerce of the col- 
onies, and in 1719, the House of Commons declared "that erecting any manu- 
factories in the colonies, tended to lessen their dependence upon Great Britain." 

8. Paper, woolen goods, hemp and iron were manufactured in Massachusetts 
and other parts of New England, as early as 1732. and almost every family made 
coarse cloth for domestic use. Hats were manufactured and carried from one 
colony to the other in exchange ; and at about the same time, brigantines and 
small sloops were built in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, and exchanged with 
West India merchants for rum, sugar, wines, and silks. 

9. Unwisely considering the increase of manufactures in the colonists to be 
detrimental to English interests, greater restrictions were ordained. It was 
enacted that all manufactories of iron and steel in the colonies, should be con- 
sidered a '■ common nuisance," to be abated within thirty days after notice being 



1. Note 15, p. 45. , , . , ^ . , . ,. 

2. From the beginning of colonization there were shoemakers, tailors, and blacksmiths in the several 
colonips. Chalmers savs of New Eneland in 1673 : " There be fine iron works which cast no guns ; no 
house in New England has above twenty rooms : not twenty in Boston have ten rooms each : a dancing 
school was set up here, but put down ; a fencing school is allowed. There be no musicians by trade. 
All cordage sail-cloth, and mats, come from England ; no cloth made there worth four shillings per 
vard : no alum, no copperas, no salt, made bv their sun." 

3. The first Navigation Act [16.51] forbade all importations into England, except in English ships, or 
those belonging to English colonies. In 1660, this act was confirmed, and unjust additions were made 
to it. The colonies were forbidden to export their chief productions to any country except to England 
or its dependencies. Similar acts, all bearing heavily upon colonial commerce, were made law, from 
time to time. See Note 1, p. 80. ... 

4. This was the first introduction of slaves into New England. The first slaves introduced into the 
English colonies, were those landed and sold in Virginia in 1620. (See Note 6. p. 76). They were first 
recognized as such, bv law, in Massachusetts, in 1641 : in Connecticut and Rhode Island, about le-W; in 
New York in 1656 ; in Marvland in 166^^ ; and in New Jersey in 1665. There were but few slaves in Penn- 
svlvania, and those were chiefly in Philadelphia. There were some there as early as 1690. The people 
of Delaware held some at about the same time. The introduction of slaves into the Carohnas, was coeval 
with their settlement, and into Georgia about the year 1750, when the people generally evade^ the pro- 
hibitorv law. Verse 9, p. 132. 

5. Note 1, p. 80. 



Queftionx.—'t . What was the commerce of the colonies? What hindrances did England make? What 
commercial efforts did the colonists make? What did Parliament do? 8. In what industrial pursuits 
did New England people engage? 9 What injurious restrictions did the British government impose ? 
What did they lead to ? 



136 COLONIES. 

given, or the owner should sufifer a fine of a thousand dollars.' The export- 
ation of hats even from one colonj to another was prohibited, and no hatter 
was allowed to have more than two apprentices at one time. The importation 
of sugar, rum, and molasses was burdened with exorbitant duties ; and the Caro- 
linians were forbidden to cut down the pine trees of their vast forests, and con- 
vert their wood into staves, and their juice into turpentine and tar, for commer- 
cial purposes.2 These unjust and oppressive enactments formed a part of that 
" bill of particulars" which the American colonies presented in their account 
with Great Britain, when they gave to the world their reasons for declaring 
themselves " free and independent States." 

10. Education received early and special attention in the colonies, particularly 
in jSTew England. Schools for the education of both white and Indian children 
were formed in Virginia as early as 1621 ; and in 1692, William and Mary Col- 
lege was established at Williamsburg. 3 Harvard College, at Cambridge, Massa' 
chusetts, was founded in 1637. Yale College, in Connecticut, was established 
at Saybrook in 1701,^ and removed to its present location, in New Haven, in 
1717. It was named in honor of Elihu Yale, president of the East India Com- 
pany, and one of its most liberal benefactors. The college of New Jersey, at 
Princeton, called Nassau Hall, was incorporated in 1738.^ 

11. But the pride and glory of New England has ever been its common 
schools. These received the earliest and most earnest attention. . In 1636, the 
Connecticut legislature enacted a law which required every town that contained 
fift}^ families, to maintain a good school, and every town containing one hun- 
dred householders, to have a grammar school.^ Similar provisions for general 
education, soon prevailed throughout New England ; and the people became re- 
markable for their intelligence. The rigid laws which discouraged all frivolous 
amusements, induced active minds, during leisure hours, to engage in reading. 
The subjects contained in books then in general circulation, were chiefly History 
and Theology, and of these a great many were sold. A traveller mentions the 
fact that, as early as 1686, several booksellers in Boston had " made fortunes 
by their business."'' But newspapers, the great vehicle of general intelligence to 
the popular mind of our day, were very few and of little worth, before the era 
of the Revolution.^ 

1. A law was enacted in 1750, which prohibited the " erection or contrivance of any mill or other en- 
gine for slitting or rolling iron, or any plating forge to work with a tilt hammer, or any furnace for 
making steel in the colonies." Snch was the condition of manufactures in the United States, one him- 
dred years ago. Notwithstanding we are eminently an agricultural people, the census of 1850 shows 
that we have, in round numbers, $530,000,000 invested in manufactures. The value of raw material is 
estimated at $550,000,000. The amount paid for labor during that year, was $240,000,000, distributed 
among 1,050,000 operatives. The value of manufactured articles is estimated at more than a thousand 
millions of dollars 1 

2. For a hundred years the British government a'tempted to confine the commerce of the colonics to 
the interchange of their agricultural products for English manufactures only. The trade of the growing 
colonies was certainly worth securing. From 1738 to 1748, the average value of exports from Great 
Britain to the American colonies, was almost three and a quarter millions of dollars annually. 

3. The schools previously established did not flourish, and the funds appropriated for their support 
were given to the college. 

4. In 1700, ten ministers of the colony met at Saybrook, and each contributed books for the establish- 
ment of a college. It was incorporated in 1701. See note 13, p. 118. 

5. It was a feeble institution at first. lu 1747, governor Belcher became its patron. 

6. These townships were, in general, organised religious communities, and had many interests in 
common. 

7. Previous to 1753, there had been seventy booksellers in Massachusetts, two in New Hampshire, two 
in Connecticut, one in Rhode Island, two in" New York, and seventeen in Pennsylvania. 

8. The first newspaper ever printed in America was the Boston iVefos Letter, printed in 1704. The 
next was established in Philadelphia in 1719. The first in New York was in 1725 ; in Maryland, in 
1728 ; in South Carolina, in 1731 ; in Rhode Island, in 1732 ; in Virginia, in 1736 ; in New Hampshire, in 
1753 ; in Connecticut, in 1755 : in Delaware, in 1761 ; in North Carolina, in 1763 ; in Georgia, in 1763 ; 
and in New Jersey, in 1777. In 1850, there were published in the United States, 2,800 newspapers and 
magazines, having a circulation of 5,000,000 of copies. The number of copies printed in that year was 
about 423,000,000. 

Questions. — 10. How was education fostered in the colonies? What colleges were formed? 11. What 
provisions were made for common education? What efl"ects ensued? How did rigid laws encourage 
reading ? What evidence is given of a prevailing taste for reading ? 



THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 137 

1 2. Such were the people, and such their political and social condition, at the 
commencement of the last inter-colonial war, which we are now to consider, 
during which they discovered their strength, the imj)ortance of a continental 
union, and their real independence of Great Britain.' 



■^ '■ ♦ *' 



SECTION XII. 

THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. [1'756-1'763.] 

1. The first three inter-colonial wars, or the conflicts in America between the 
English and French colonies, already noticed, 2 originated in hostilities first de- 
clared by the two governments, and commenced in Europe, The fourth and 
last, which resulted in establishing the supremacy of the Enghsh in America, 
originated here in disputes concerning territorial claims. 

2. For a hundred years, the colonies of the two nations had been gradually ex- 
panding and increasing in importance. The English, more than a million in 
number, occupied the seaboard from the Penobscot to the St, Mary's, a thousand 
miles in extent, all eastward of the great ranges of the Alleghanies, and far 
northward toward the St. Lawrence. The French, not more than a hundred 
thousand strong, made settlements along the St. Lawrence, the shores of the 
great lakes, on the Mississippi and its tributaries, and upon the borders of the 
Gulf of Mexico. They early founded Detroit [1683], Kaskaskia [1684], Yincen- 
nes [1690], and New Orleans [1717.] The Enghsh planted agricultural colonies; 
the French were chiefly engaged in trafBc with the Indians. This trade, and the 
operations of the Jesuit ^ missionaries, who were usually the self-denying pion- 
eers of commerce in its penetration of the wilderness, gave the French great in- 
fluence over the tribes of a vast extent of country lying in the rear of the Eng- 
lish settlements.* 

3. The ancient quarrel between the two nations, originating far back in feudal 
ages, and kept alive by subsequent collisions, burned vigorously in the bosoms 
of the respective colonists in America, where it was continually fed by frequent 
hostilities on frontier ground. They had ever regarded each other with ex- 
treme jealousy, for the prize before them was supreme rule in the New World. 
The trading posts and missionary stations of the French, in the far north-west, 
and in the bosom of a dark wilderness, several hundred miles distant from the 
most remote settlement on the English frontier, attracted very Uttle attention, 
until they formed a part of more extensive operations. But when, after the cap- 

1. We have no exact enumeration of the inhabitants of the colonies ; but Mr. Bancroft, after a careful 
examination of many official returns and private computations, estimates the number of white people in 
the colonies, at the commencement of the French and Indian war, to have been about 1,165,000, dis- 
tributed as follows : — In New England (N. H., Mass., R. I., and Conn.), 425,000 ; in the middle colonies 
(N. Y., N. J., Peim., Del. and Md.), 457,000 ; and in the southern colonies (Va., N. and S. Carolina and 
Geo.), 283,000. The estimated number of slaves, 260,000, of whom about 11,000 were in New England ; 
middle colonies, 71,000 ; and the southern colonies, 178,000. Of the 1,165,000 white people, Dr. Franklin 
estimated that only about 80,000 were of foreign birth, showing the fact that emigration to America had 
almost ceased. At the beginning of the Revolution, in 1775, the estimated population of the thirteea 
colonies was 2,803,000. The documents of Congress in 1775, gives the round number of 3,000,000. 

2. King William's War (p. %) ; Queen Anne's War (p. 100); and King George's War (p. 101). 

3. Note 9, p. 96. 

4. Chiefly of the Algonquin nation. Verse 2, p. 12. 



Questions. — 12. Can you give a general outline of the character, pursuits and condition of the colonists, 
as delineated in this section? 1. How did the several inter-colonial wars originate ? 2. What regions in 
America did the French and English occupy ? What were their pursuits ? What gave influence to the 
French? 3. What made the French and English in America, enemies to each other? What circum- 
stauces awakened the fears and jealousies of the English ? What did they respectively claim? 



138 COLONIES. 

tare of Louisburg^ 1*145], the French adopted vigorous measures for opposing 
the extension of British power in America : when they built strong vessels at 
the foot of Lake Ontario- — made treaties of friendship with the Delaware^ and 
Shaiunee^ tribes — strengthened Fort Niagara^ — and erected a cordon of fortifica- 
tions, more than sixty in number, between Montreal and New Orleans — the 
English were aroused to immediate and effective action in defence of the terri- 
torial claims given them in their ancient charters. By virtue of these, XhQj 
claimed dominion westward to the Pacific Ocean, south of the latitude of the 
north shore of Lake Erie ; while the French claimed a title to all the territory 
watered by the Mississippi and its tributaries, under the more plausible plea, 
that they had made the first explorations and settlements in that region.^ Tho 
claims of the real owner, the Indian, were lost sight of in the discussion.7 

4. The territorial question was speedily brought to an issue. In 1749, George 
the Second granted six hundred thousand acres of land, on the southeast bank 
of the Ohio river, to a company composed of London merchants and Virginia 
land speculators, with the exclusive privilege of traffic with the Indians. It was 
called The Ohio Company. Surveyors were soon sent to explore, and make 
boundaries, and prepare for settlements ; and English traders went even as far 
as the country of the Miaviies^ to traffic with the natives. The French regarded 
them as intruders, and seized [1753] and imprisoned some of them. Apprehending 
the loss of traffic and influence among the Indians, and the ultimate destruction 
of their line of communication between Canada and Louisiana, the French com- 
menced the erection of forts between the Alleghany river and Lake Erie, near 
the present western line of Pennsylvania. 9 The Ohio Company complained of 
these hostile movements; and as their grant lay within the chartered limits of 
Virginia, the authorities of that colony considered it their duty to interfere. 
Robert Dinwiddle, the lieutenant governor, sent a letter of remonstrance to 
M. De St. Pierre, the French commander.'" George Washington was chosen to 
be the bearer of the despatch. He was a young man, less than twenty-two 
years of age, but possessed much experience of forest life. He already held the 
commission of adjutant-general of one of the four militia districts of Virginia. 
From early youth he had been engaged in land surveying, and had become accus- 
tomed to the dangers and hardships of the wilderness, and was acquainted 
with the character of the Indians, and of the country he was called upon to 
traverse. 

5. The mission of young "Washington involved much pergonal peril and hard- 
ship. It required the courage of the soldier and the sagacity of the statesman, 
to perform the duty properly. The savage tribes through which he had to pass, 
were hostile to the English, and the French he was sent to meet were national 
enemies, wily and suspicious. With only two or three attendants," Washington 

1. Verse 48, p. 101. 

2. At Frontenac, now Kingston, Upper Canada. .„„,„_ 
?,. Verse 13, p. 15. 4. Verse 9, p. 14. 5. Verse 39, p. 152. 6. Verse 2, p. 137. 

7. When the agent of the Ohio Company went into the Indian country, on the borders of the Ohio 
river, a messenger was sent bv two Indian sachems, to make the significant inqniry, "Where is the In- 
dian's land ? The English cla'im it all on one side of the river, the French on the other ; where does the 
Indian's land lay?" 

8. Verse 7 P- 14. 

9. Twelve hundred men erected a fort on the south shore of Lake Erie, at Presque Isle, now Erie ; 
soon afterward, another was built at Le Bceuf, on the Venango (French Creek), now the village of Wat- 
erford ; and a third was erected at Venango, at the junction of French Creek and the Alleghany river, 
now the village of Franklin. , j r ^i. • • i 

10. Already the governors of Virginia and Pennsvlvania had received order.s from the imperial goy- 
vernment, to repel the French by force, whenever they were " found within the undoubted limits ot 
their provinces." ^ , , ,, . ^, , , 

11. He was afterwards joined by two others at Wills Creek, (now Cumberland) m Maryland. 

Qneiitions.—A. What brought the question of claims to an issue ? What did Dinwiddle do ? Whom did 
he send to the French? 5. What qualities did young Washington's mission require? Can you relate 
the circumstances of his journey ? What folly did the Frenchmen commit? 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 139 

Rtartod from Williamsburgh late in Autumn [Oct. 31, 1753], and after journeying 
full four hundred miles (more than half the distance through a dark wilderness), 
encountering almost incredible hardships, amid snow, and icy floods, and hostile 
Indians, he reached the French outpost [Dec. 4] at Yenango.^ He was politely 
received, and his visit was made the occasion of great conviviality by the offi- 
cers of the garrison. Wine made the Frenchmen incautious, and they revealed 
to the sober Washington their hostile designs against the English, which the 
latter had suspected. 

6. After tarrying a day at Yenango, Washington pushed forward to the head- 
quarters of St. Pierre, at Le Boeuf- That officer entertained him politely during 
four days, and then gave him a written answer to Dinwiddle's remonstrance, en- 
veloped and sealed. Washington retraced his perilous pathway through the wil- 
derness, and after an absence of eleven weeks, he again stood in the presence of 
governor Din widdie [Jan. 16, 1754], his mission fulfilled to the satisfaction of all. 
His judgment, sagacity, courage, and executive force — qualities which eminently 
fitted bimfor the more important duties as chief of the Revolutionary armies, more 
than twenty years afterwards [1775] — were nobly developed in the performance 
of his mission. They were publicly acknowledged, and were never forgotten. 

7. During Washington's absence, the legislature of Yirginia had made an ap- 
propriation of fifty thousand dollars, for the support of troops to be led against 
the French. The revelations made to Washington, and the tenor of St. Pierre's 
reply, confirmed the suspicions of Dinwiddle, and showed the wisdom of the 
legislative co-operation. St. Pierre said he was acting in obedience to the orders 
of his superior, the Marquis du Quesne,^ at Montreal, and refused to withdraw 
his troops from the disputed territory. Dinwiddie immediately prepared an ex- 
pedition against the French, and solicited the co-operation of the other colonies. 
It was the first call for a general colonial union against a common enemy. AU 
hesitated except North Carolina. Its legislature promptly voted four hundred 
men, and they were soon on the march for Winchester, in Yirginia. Some vol- 
unteers from South Carolina and New York, also hastened toward the seat of 
future war. The Yirginians nobly responded to the call, and a regiment was 
soon organized, with Col. Joshua Fry as its commander, and Major Washington 
as his lieutenant. The troops rendezvoused at Alexandria, and from that city, 
Washington, at the head of the advanced corps, marched [April 2, 1754] toward 
the Ohio. 

8. In the meanwhile, the Ohio Company had sent thirty men to construct a 
fort at the confluence of the Alleghany and Monongahela rivers, now the site of 
Pittsburg. They had just commenced operations [April IS], when a party of 
French and Indians attacked and expelled them, completed the fortification, and 
named it Du Quesne, in honor of the governor general of Canada. ■* When intel- 
ligence of this event reached Washington on his march, he hastened forward, 
with one hundred and fifty men, to a point on the Monongahela, less than forty 
miles from Fort du Quesne. There he was informed that a strong force was 
marching to intercept him, and he cautiously fled back to the Great Meadows, 
where he erected a stockade,'^ and called it Fort Necessity.^ Before completing 

1. Note 9, p. 138. 2. Note 9, p. 138. 

3. Pronounced du Kane. 4. Verse 7, p. 139. 

5. Stockade is a general name of structures for defence, formed by driving strong posts in the ground, 
so as to make a safe inclosure. It is the same as a palisade. See picture on page 94. 

6. Near the national road from Cumberland to Wheeling, in the south-eastern part of Favefte countv. 
Pennsylvania. The Great Meadows are on a fertile bottom about four miles from the foot of Laurel Hill, 
and fifty from Cumberland. 

SiieKtioiiJi. — 6. What else did Washington do? What did his performance of these duties reveal? 
Vhat did the Virginia legislature do? What action on the part of the English did the reply of the 
French commander produce? What expedition was formed? 8. What took place at the junction 
of the Alleghany and Monongahela rivers ? What did Washington do ? What caused the first bloodshed ? 



140 COLONIES. 

it, a few of his troops attacked an advanced party of the French, under Jumon- 
ville. They were surprised at the dead of night [May 28], and the commander 
and nine of his men were slain. Of the fifty who formed the French detachment, 
only about fifteen escaped. This was the first blood-shedding of that long and 
eventful conflict known as the French and Indian War.^ 

9. Two days after this event [May 30], Colonel Fry died, and the whole com- 
mand devolved on "Washington. Troops hastened forward to join the young 
leader at Fort Necessity, and with about four hundred men he proceeded to Fort 
du Quesne. M. de Villiers, brother of the slain Jumonville, had marched at about 
the same time, at the head of more than a thousand Indians and some French- 
men, to avenge the death of his kinsman. Ad\'ised of his approach, Washington 
fell back to Fort Necessity, and there, on the 3d of July, he was attacked by al- 
most fifteen hundred foes. After a conflict of about ten hours, de ViUiers pro- 
posed an honorable capitulation. 2 "Washington signed it on the morning of the 
4th, and marching out of the stockade with the honors of war, departed, with his 
troops, for Virginia. 

10. During this mihtary campaign, a civil movement of great importance was 
in progress. The English and French governments had listened to the disputes 
in America with great interest. At length the British ministry perceiving war 
to be inevitable, advised the colonies to secure the continued friendship of the 
Six Nations, 3 and to unite in a plan for general defence. All the colonies were 
invited to appoint delegates to meet in convention at Albany, in the Summer of 
1754. Only seven responded by sending delegates.^ The convention was or- 
ganized on the 19th of June.^ Having renewed a treaty with the Indians, the 
subject of colonial union was brought forward. A plan of confederation, similar 
to our Federal Constitution, drawn up by Dr. Franklin, was submitted." It was 
adopted on the 4th of July [1754], and was ordered to be laid before the several 
colonial Assemblies, and the imperial Board of Trade," for ratification.^ Its fate 
was singular. The Assemblies considering it too aristocratic — giving the royal 
governor too much power — refused their assent ; and the Board of Trade rejected 
it because it was too democratic.^ Although a legal union was not consummated, 
the grand idea then began to bud. It blossomed in the midst of the heat of the 
Stamp Act excitement^" eleven years later [1765], and its fruit appeared in the 
great Congress of 1774. 

1. It is known in European history as The Seven Tears War. 

2. A mutual restoration of prisoners was to take place, and the English were not to erect any estab- 
lishment beyond the mountains, for the space of a year. The English troops were to march, unmolested, 
back to Virginia. 

3. Verse 5, p. 18. 

4. New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland. 

5. James Delancy, of New York, was elected president. There were twenty-five delegates in all. 

6. Franklin was a delegate from Pennsylvania. The idea of union was not a new one. William Penn 
suggested the advantage of a union of all the English colonies, as early as 1700 ; and Coxe, Speaker of 
the New Jersey Assembly, advocated it in 1722. Now it first found tangible expression under the sanc- 
tion of authority, 

7. Note 6, p. 99. 

8. It proposed a general government to be administered by one chief magistrate, to be appointed by 
the crown, and a council of forty-eight members, chosen by the several legislatures. This council, an- 
swering to our Senate, was to have power to declare war, levy troops, raise money, regulate trade, con- 
clude peace, and many other things necessary for the general good. The delegates from Connecticut 
alone, objected to the plan, because it gave the governor general veto power, or the right to refuse his 
signature to laws ordained by the Senate, and thus prevent them becoming statutes. 

9. The Board of Trade had proposed a plan which contained all the elements of a system for the utter 
enslavement and dependence of tlie Americans. They proposed a general government, composed of the 
governors of the several colonies, and certain select members of the several Councils. These were to 
have power to draw on the British Treasury for money to carry on the impending war : the sum to be 
reimbm-sed by taxes imposed upon the colonists by Parliament. The colonists preferred to do their own 
fighting and levy their own taxes, independent of Great Britain. 

10. Verse 11, p. 162. 

Que.iMons. — 9. How came Washington to have chief command ? What occurred at Fort Necessity? 
10. What important event took place at Albany in 1754? What was the fate of Franklin's plan of 
union? 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 141 

11. Soon after the close of this convention, the Indians commenced murderous 
depredations upon the New England frontiers [August and September, 1754]; 
and among the tribes west of the AUeghanies, French emissaries were busy 
arousing them to engage in a war of extermination against the Enghsh, and yet 
some of the colonies were tardy in preparations to avert the evil. Shirley was 
putting forth energetic efforts in Massachusetts; New York voted $25,000 for 
mihtary service, and Maryland $30,000 for the same. The English government 
sent over $50,000 for the use of the colonists, and with it a commission to gov- 
ernor Sharpe, of Maryland, appointing him commander-in-chief of all the colonial 
forces. Soon disputes about military rank and precedence, ran high. Washing- 
ton resigned his commission, and the year [1754] drew to a close without any 
efficient preparations for a conflict with the French. 

CAMPAIGN- OF 1755. 

12. War had not yet been declared by the two nations; and for more than 
a year and a half longer the colonies were in conflict, before England and 
France formally announced hostility to each other. In the meanwhile the Brit- 
ish government extended its aid to its colonies. Early in 1755 [Feb. 20], Ed- 
ward Braddock, an Irish officer of distinction, arrived in Chesapeake Bay with 
two regiments of his countrjTnen. He had been appointed commander-in-chief 
of all the British and provincial forces in America ; and at his request, six colo- 
nial governors' met in convention at Alexandria [April] to assist in making ar- 
rangements for a vigorous campaign. Three separate expeditions were planned ; * 
one against Fort du Quesne,^ to be led by Braddock; a second against Niagara 
and Frontenac (Kingston), to be commanded by governor Shirley; and a third 
against Crown Point, on Lake Champlain, under general William Johnson,^ 
then an influential resident among the Mohawk nation of the Iroquois confed- 
eracy.* Already a fourth expedition had been arranged by Shirley and govern- 
or Lawrence of Nova Scotia, designed to drive the French out of that province, 
and other portions of ancient Acadie.-^ These extensive arrangements, sanc- 
tioned by the imperial government, awakened the most zealous patriotism of all 
the colonists, and the legislatures of the several provinces, except Pennsylvania 
and Georgia, voted men and supplies for the impending war. The Quaker As- 
sembly of Pennsylvania was opposed to mihtary movements ; the people of 
Georgia were too poor to contribute. 

13. The eastern expedition first proceeded to action. Three thousand men, 
under general John Winslow^ sailed from Boston on the 20th of May, 1755, and 
landed at the head of the Bay of Fundy. There they were joined by Colonel 
Monckton with three hundred British regulars^ from the neighboring garrison, 
and that officer, having official precedence of Winslow, took the command. 
They captured the forts of the French [June] without difficulty, and placed the 

1. Shirley, of Jfatsa'-TiwseWs, ,• Dinwiddie, of Virginia ; Delancey, of New Tork : Sharpe, of Mary- 
land; Morris, of Painsi/Jvania ; and Dobbs, ot North Carolina. Admiral Keppel, commander of the 
British fleet, was also present. 

2. Verse 8, p. 139. 3. Verse 19, p. 144. 4. Verse 2, p 17. 5 . Verse 29, p. 41. 

6. He was a preat grandson of Edward Winslow, the third govemor of Plymouth. He was a major- 
general in the Massachusetts militia, but on this occasion held the office of lieutenant colonel. 

7. This term is used to denote soldiers who are attached to the regular army, and as distinguished 
from volunteers and militia. The latter term applies to the great body of citizens who are liable to do 
perpetual military duty only in time of war. 



Qne.Hiona.—W. What troubles ensued on the frontier? What preparations were made for war with 
the French and Indians? What produced feebleness of action? 12. What was done before England 
and France declared war? What was Braddock's first movement? What expeditions were planned ? 
and what preparations were made ? 13. What did the eastern expedition accomplish ? What outrages 
were committed by it ? 



142 COLONIES. 

whole region under martial nile.^ This was the legitimate result of war. But 
the cruel sequel deserves universal reprobation. The total destruction cf the 
French settlements was decided upon. Under the plea that the Acadians 
would aid their French brethren in Canada, the innocent and happy people 
were seized in their houses, fields and churches, and conveyed on board the 
English vessels. Families were broken, never to be united ; and to compel the 
surrender of those who fled to the woods, their starvation was insured by a 
total destruction of their growing crops. The Acadians were stripped of every- 
thing, and those who were carried away, were scattered among the English col- 
onies, helpless beggars, to die heart-broken, in a strange land. In one short 
month, their paradise had become a desolation, and a happy people were crushed 
into the dust. 

14. On account of delays in obtaining provisions and wagons, Braddock did 
not commence his march from A\^iirs Creek (Cumberland), until the 10th of 
June, 1775. His force consisted of about two thousand men, British and pro- 
vincial. Anxious to reach Fort du Quesne before the garrison should receive 
re-inforcements, he made forced marches with twelve hundred men, leaving col- 
onel Dunbar, his second in command, to follow with the 
remainder, and the wagons. Colonel Washington- had 
consented to act as Braddock's aid, and to him was given 
the command of the provincials. Knowing, far better 
than Braddock, the perils of their march and the kind of 
warfare they might expect, he ventured, modestly, to 
give advice, founded upon his experience. But the haugh- 
ty general would listen to no suggestions, especially from 
a provincial subordinate. This obstinacy proved his ruin. 
15. When within ten miles of Fort du Quesne, and 
FORT Dtj QUESNE. marchiug at noon-day [July 9], in fancied security on the 
south side of the Monongahela, a volley of bullets and a 
cloud of arrows asssailed the advanced guard, imder lieutenant-colonel Gage.3 
They came from a thicket and ravine close by, where a thousand dusky warriors 
lay in ambush. Again Washington asked permission to fight according to the 
provincial custom, but was refused. Braddock must manoeuvre according to Eu- 
ropean tactics, or not at all. For three hours, deadly volley after volley fell 
upon the British columns, while Braddock attempted to maintain order, where 
all was confusion. The slain soon covered the ground. Every mounted officer 
but Washington, was killed or maimed, and finally the brave Braddock himself, 
after having several horses shot under him, was mortally wounded. ^ Washing- 
ton remained unhurt.^ Under his direction the provincials rallied, while the 
regulars, seeing their general fall, were fleeing in great confusion. The pro- 
vincials covered their retreat so gallantly, that the enemy did not follow. A 

1. Note 8. p. 129. 2. Verse 4, p. l.'S. 

3. Afterwards genera? Oage, commander-in-chief of the British troops at Boston, at the beginning of 
the Revolution. Verse 33, p. 170. 

4. Braddock was shot by Thomas Faucett, one of the provincial soldiers. His plea was self-preser- 
vation. Braddock had issued a positive order, that none of the PJnglish should protect themselves be- 
hind trees as the French and Indians did. Faucett's brother had taken such position, and when Brad- 
dock perceived it, he struck him to the earth with his sword. Thomas, on seeing his brother fall, shot 
Braddock in the back, and then the provincials, fighting as they pleased, were saved from utter destruc- 
tion. 

5. Dr. Craik, who was with Washington at this time, and also attended him in his last illness, says 
that while in the Ohio country with him, lifteen years afterward, an old Indian chief came, as he said, 
" a long way" to see the Virginia colonel at whom he fired his rifle fifteen times during the battle on the 
Monongahela, without hitting him. Washington was never wounded in battle. 




Questions. — 14. How was Braddock delayed? How did he progress? What did Washington advise ? 
15. Where did a battle occur? Can you relate the circumstances? Wliat was the principal cause of de- 
feat ? How were any saved ? How and where was Braddock buried ? 




FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 143 

TV'eck afterward Washington read the impressive funeral 
service of the Anglican Church,' over the corpse of 
Braddock, by torch hght [July 15, 1755]; and he was 
buried where his grave may now [1854J be seen near 
the National road, between the tlfty-third and fifty- 
fourth mile from Cumberland, in Maryland. Colonel 
Dunbar received the flying troops, and marched to Phi- 
ladelphia [Aug.] with the broken companies. Washing- 
ton, with the southern provincials, went back to Vir- 
ginia. Thus ended the second expedition of the cam- 
paign of 1755. 

16. The expedition against Niagara and Frontenac, 
under Shirley, though not so disastrous, was quite as 
unsuccessful. It was late in August before Shirley had 
collected the main body of his troops at Oswego, from oiiii^EKAL buadi^ock. 
whence he intended to go to Niagara, by water. His 

force was twenty-five hundred strong on the first of September, yet circum- 
stances compelled him to hesitate. The prevalence of storms, and of sickness 
m his camp, and finally the desertion of the greater part of his Indian allies,'^ 
made it perilous to proceed, and he relinquished the design. Leaving suffi- 
cient men to garrison the forts which he had commenced at Oswego,^ he 
marched the remainder to Albany [Oct. 24], and returned to Massachusetts. 

17. General Johnson's expedition against Crown Point^ accomplished more 
than that of Braddock^ or Shirley,^ but failed to achieve its main object. In 
July [1755] about six thousand troops, drawn from New England, New York, 
and New Jersey, had assembled at the head of boat navigation on the Hudson 
(now the village of Fort Edward), fifty miles north of Albany. They were under 
the command of General Lyman '' of Connecticut ; and before the arrival of gen- 
eral Johnson in August, with cannon and stores, they had erected a strong for- 
tification, which was afterward called Fort Edward.^ On his arrival, John- 
son took command, and with the main body of the troops, marched to the head 
of Lake George, about fifteen miles distant. 

18. In the meanwhile, general Baron Dieskau, with about two thousand 
men, chiefly Canadian militia and Indians, was approaching from Montreal, 
by way of Lake Champlain, to meet the English.^ When Johnson arrived at 
Lake George [Sept. 7], Indian scouts informed him that Dieskau was disem- 
barking at the head of Lake Champlain (now the village of Whitehall), 



1. Note 1, p. 127. 

2. Tribes of the Six Nations [verse 5, p. 18], and some Sforl-hridge Indians. The latter were called 
Ilnnxntomrs, from the river on which they were found. They were a division of the Mohegan [verse 14, 
p. 15] tribe. 

?>. Fort Ontario on the east and Fort PeppereJl on the west of Oswego river. Fort Pepperell was 
afterward called Fort Oswego. See map, p. 146. The house was built of stone, and the walls were 3 feet 
thick. It was within a square enclosure composed of a thick wall, with two strong square towers. 

4. Upon this tongue of land on Lake Champlain, the French erected a fortification which they called 
Fort St. Frederick. On the Vermont side of the lake, opposite, there was a French settlement as early 
as 1731. In allusion to the chimnies of their houses, which remained long after the settlement was de- 
stroyed, it is still known as Chimney Point. 

5. Verse 15, p. 142. 6. Verse 16, p. 14.3. 

7. Born in Durham. Connecticut ; was a graduate of Yale College, and became a lawyer. He per- 
formed important services during the whole war. He died in Florida, in 1775. 

8. It was first called Fort Lyman. Johnson, meanly jealous of General Lyman, changed the name to 
Fort Edward. 

9. Dieskau and his French troops narrowly escaped capture by admiral Bosca wen, on their way from 
France, off New Foundland. They eluded his fleet during a fog, and went in safety up the St Lawrence. 



Questions. — 16. Can vou relate the circumstances of the expedition against Niagara? What did Shir- 
ley accomplish. 17. What preparations were made against Crown Point? What was done in the vicin- 
ity of Lake George ? 18. What expedition opposed the English ? Can you relate the circumstances, and 
tlie result ? 



144 



COLONIES. 




FORT EDWARD. 



preparatory to marching against Fort Edward, The 
next scouts brought Johnson the intelHgence that 
Dieskau's Indians, terrified by the Enghsh cannons 
when they approached Fort Edward, had induced 
him to change his plans, and that he was march- 
ing to attack his camp. Colonel Ephraim Williams, 
of Deerfield, Massachusetts, was immediately sent 
[Sept. 8j with a thousand Massachusetts troops, and 
two hundred Mohawks,^ under the famous chief, 
Hendrick, to intercept the enemy. They met in a 
narrow defile, four miles from Lake George. The 
English suddenly fell into an ambuscade. Williams and 
Hendrick were both killed, 2 and their followers fell 
back in great confusion, upon Johnson's camp, hotly 
pursued by the victors. 

1 9. Johnson was assured of William's defeat before the flying fugitives made 
their appearance. He immediately cast up a breastwork of logs and limbs, 
placed upon it two cannons which he had received from Fort Edward two days 
before, and when the enemy came rushing on, 
close upon the heels of the English, he was pre- 
pared to receive them. The fugitives had just 
reached Johnson's camp when Dieskau and his 
flushed victors appeared. Unsuspicious of heavy 
guns upon so rude a pile as Johnson's battery^ ex- 
hibited, they rushed forward, with sword, pike 
and tomahawk, and made a spirited attack. One 
volley from the English cannons made the Indians 
flee in terror to the shelter of the deep forests 
around. The Canadian militia also fled as general 
Lyman and a body of troops approached from 
Fort Edward ; and finally, the French troops, 
after continuing the conflict several hours, and 

losing their commander, 4 withdrew, and hastened to Crown Point. Their bag- 
gage was captured by some New Hampshire troops from Fort Edward, and the 
defeat was complete. 

20. Johnson erected a fort on the site of his camp, and called it Fort Wil- 
liam Henry; and being informed that the French were strengthening their 
works at Crown Point, and were fortifying Ticonderoga,-' he thought it pru- 
dent to cease offensive operations. He garrisoned Fort Edward and Fort 
William Henry, returned to Albany, and as the season was advanced [Oct. 
1755], he dispersed the remainder of his troops. For his services in this cam- 
paign, the king conferred the honor of knighthood upon him, and gave him 
twenty-five thousand dollars. This honor and emolument properly belonged 




SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 



1. Verse 2, p. 17- , ^ . • 

2. While on his way north, Williams stopped at Albany, made his will, and bequeathed certain prop- 
erty to found a free school for Western Massachusetts. That was the foundation ot Williams t,o,- 
leKe"— his best monument. The rock near which his body was found, on the right side ot the road troni 
Glenn's Falls to Lake George, still bears his name ; and a collection of water on the battle ground, is 
called Bloody Pond. 

3. Note 4, p. 131. ' , ^ . j , * * ^ 

4. Dieskau was found moiially wounded, carried into the English camp, and there tenderly treated. 
He was afterward conveyed to New York, from whence he sailed to England, where he died. 

5. Verse 32, p. 149. 



Questiom.—l9. What occurred at the head of Lake George and vicinity? 20. What course did John- 
son pursue ? What rewards did he receive ? and how were they deserved ? 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 



145 




FOKT WILLIAM HE>RY. 



to general Lyman, the real hereof the campaign.' John- 
son had sir Peter Warren and other friends at court, and 
so won the unmerited prize. 

CAMPAIGN OF 1756. 



21. The campaign of 1155, having assumed all the es- 
sential features of regular war, and there appearing no 
prospect of reconcihation of the belligerents, England 
formally proclaimed hostilities against France [May lY, 
1756J, and the latter soon afterward [June 9] reciprocated the action. Shir- 
ley, who had become commander-in-chief^ after 
the death of Braddock, was superseded by gen- 
eral Abercrombie'^ in the Spring of 1756. He came 
as the lieutenant of lord Loudon, whom the 
king had appomted to the chief command in 
America, and also governor of Virginia. Aber- 
crombie arrived with several British regiments, 
early in June. The plan of the campaign for 
that year had already been arranged by a conven- 
tion of colonial governors held at Albany early 
in the season. Ten thousand men were to attack 
Crown Point ;3 six thousand were to proceed 
against Niagara ;•* three thousand against Fort 
du Quesne ;^ and two thousand w^ere to cross the 
country from the Kennebec, to attack the French 
settlements on the Chaudiere river. 

22. Greneral Winslow^ had been appointed to 
the command of the expedition against Crown Point, and had collected seven 
thousand men at Albany, when Abercrombie arrived. Difficulties immediately 
occurred, respecting military rank, and caused delay. They were not adjusted 
when the tardy Loudon arrived; and his arrogant assumption of superior rank 
for the ro.yal officers, increased the irritation and discontent of the provincial 
troops. When these matters were finall)- adjusted, in August, the French had 
gained such positive advantages, that the whole plan of the campaign was dis- 
concerted. 

23. The Marquis de Montcalm succeeded Baron Dieskau^ in the command of 
the French troops in Canada. Perceiving the delay of the English, and count- 
ing wisely upon the inefficiency of their commander-in-chief, he collected about 
five thousand Frenchmen, Canadians and Indians, at Frontcnac,^ and crossing 
Lake Ontario, landed, with thirty pieces of cannon, a few miles east of Oswego. 
Two days afterward, he appeared before Fort Ontario [Aug. 11, 1756], on the 




ABERCROMBIE. 



1. Lj man urged Johnson to pursue the French, and assail Crown Point. The Mohaicks burned for an 
opportunity to avenge the death of Hendrick. But Johnson preferred ease and safety, and spent the 
Autumn in constructing Fort William Henry. He meanly withheld all praise fiom I.yman, in his de- 
spatches to government. Johnson was born in Ireland in 1714. He came to America to take charge of 
the lands of his uncle, admiral Warren [verse 48, p. 102], on the Mohawk river, and gained great influ- 
ence over the Indians of New York. He died at his seat in the Mohawk valley, in 1774. 

2. A strong party in England, irritated by the failures of the campaign of 1755, cast the blame of 
Braddock's defeat and other disasters, upon tlie Americans, and finally procured the recall of Shirley. 
He oompletelv vindicated his character, and was appointed governor of the Bahama Islands. 

3. Verse -iS, p 152. 4. Verse ?,9, p. 152. 5. Verse 8, p. 139. 
6. Verse 13, p. 141. 7- Verse 18, p. 143. 8. Verse 12, p. 141. 



Que.iHons.— 21. When did England and France declare war? Who took the command in America ? 
What was the plan of the campaign of 1756? 22. What preparations were made against Crown Point? 
What caused the failure of the expedition ? 23. Who commanded the French in 1756? What was done 
at Oswego by Montcalm and his followers ? 



U6 



COLONIES. 



east side of the river, then in command of colonel Mercer. After a short but 
brave resistance the garrison abandoned the fort [Aug. 12], and withdrew to an 
older fortification, on the west side of the river.' Their commander was killed, 
and they were soon obliged to surrender themselves [Aug. 14] prisoners of 
war. The spoils of victory for Montcalm, were fourteen hundred prisoners, a 
large amount of military stores, consisting of small 
arms, ammunition and provisions; one hundred and 
thirty-four pieces of cannon and several vessels, large 
and small, in the harbor. After securing them, he 
demolished the forts,'- and returned to Canada. The 
whole country of the Six Nations was now laid open 
to the incursions of the French. 

24. When intelligence of the fall of Oswego reached 
Loudon, he re-called the troops then on their way to- 
ward Lake Champlain ; and all the other expeditions 
were abandoned. Forts William Henry^ and Edward* 
were strengthened; fifteen hundred volunteers, and 
drafted militia, under Washington, were placed in stock- 
ades^ for the defense of the Pennsylvania and Virginia frontiers; and on the western 
borders of the Carolmas several military posts were established as a protection 
against the Cherokee^ and Creeks,'' whom French emissaries were exciting to 
hostilities against the English. The most important achievement of the provin- 
cials during that year, was the chastisement of the Indians at Kittaning, their 
chief town, situated on the Alleghany river. During several months they had 
spread terror and desolation along the western frontiers of Pennsylvania and 
Virginia, and almost a thousand white people had been murdered or carried 
into captivity. Colonel John Armstrong of Pennsylvania,^ accompanied by 
captain Mercer of Virginia, with about three hundred men, attacked them on 
the night of the 8th of September [1156], killed their principal chiefs, destroyed 
their town, and dispersed and completely humbled them. 




FORTS AT OSWEGO. 



CAMPAIGN OF 1757. 

25. At a military council held at Boston early in 1757 [Jan. 19], Lord Lou- 
don proposed to confine the operations of that year to an expedition against 
Louisburg,9 and to the defense of the frontiers. Because he was commander-in- 
chief, wiser and better men acquiesced in his plans, but deplored his want of 




BLOCK HOUSE. 



1. A palisaded block -house built by order of governor Bnmet in 
1727, near ihe spot where Fort Pepperell was erected. A redoubt is a 
fortified buildiiifr, of peculiar construction, well calculated for de- 
fense. They were greiierally built of logs, in the form represented 
in the engraving:. Tiiey were usually two stories, with narrow 
openings through which to fire muskets from within. They were 
sometimes prepared with openings for cannons. 

2. This was to please the Six Nations, who had never felt eon- 
tented with this supporter of power in their midst. The demolition 
of these forts, induced the Indians to assume au attitude of neutral- 
ity, by a solemn treaty. 

3. Verse 20, p. 144. "it commanded a view of the lake from its 
head to the Narrows, fifteen miles. 

4. Verse 17, p. 143. The H'ldson is divided at Fort Edward, into 
two channels, by Roger's Island, on which the provincial troops out 
of the fort, usually encamped. 

5. Note 5, p. 139. 6. Verse 1, p. 19. 7^ Verse 2, p. 21. 

8. He was a general in the war for Independence. Note 1, p. 186. 

9. Verse 48, p. 102. 



Questions. — 24. How did the fixll of Oswego affect Lo'idon's movements ? What preparations were made 
for frontier defenses ? Wliat did generiil Armstrong effect / 25. What did Loudon propose ? How weie 
the colonists disappointed ? and how were they affected ? 



FKENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 147 

judgment and executive force. The people of New England, in particular, were 
greatly disappointed when they ascertained that the execution of their favorite 
scheme of driving the French from Lake Champlain, was to be deferred. How- 
ever, the general ardor of the colonists was not abated, and the call for troops 
was so promptly responded to, that Loudon found himself at the head of six 
thousand provincials on the first of June. 

26. The capture of Louisburg was the earl's first care. He sailed from New 
York on the 20th of June, and on arri\'ing at Halifax ten days afterward [June 
30], he was joined by Admiral Holbourn, with a powerful naval armament 
and five thousand land troops, from England. They were about to proceed to 
Cape Breton,^ when they were informed that six thousand troops were in the 
fortress at Louisburg,- and that a French fleet, larger than Holbourn's, was lying 
in that harbor. The enterprise was abandoned, and Loudon returned to New 
York [Aug. 31], to hear of defeat and disgrace on the northern frontier, the re- 
sult of his ignorance and utter unskilfulness. Montcalm had again carried 
away trophies of victory. 

27. Toward the close of July, Montcalm left Ticonderoga with about nine 
thousand men (of whom two thousand were Indians), and proceeded to besiege 
Fort WilUam Henry, at the head of Lake George.^ The garrison of three thou- 
sand men was commanded by colonel Monro, a brave English officer, who felt 
strengthened in his position by the close proximity of his chief, general Webb, 
who was at the head of four thousand troops at Fort Edward, ■» only fifteen 
miles distant. But his confidence in his commanding general was sadly mis- 
placed. When Montcalm demanded a surrender of the fort and garrison [Aug, 
3, 1151], Monro boldly refused, and sent an express to general Webb, for aid. 
It was not furnished. For six days Montcalm continued the siege, and expresses 
were sent daily to Webb for reinforcements, but in vain. Even when general 
Johnson,' with a corps of provincials and Putnam's Ilangers,^ had, on reluctant 
permission, marched several miles in the direction of the beleagured fort, Webb 
recalled them, and sent a letter to Monro, advising him to surrender. 

28. Webb's letter was intercepted by Montcalm,''' and with a peremptory de- 
mand for capitulation, he sent it to Monro. Perceiving further resistance to be 
useless, Monro yielded. Montcalm was so pleased with the bravery displayed 
by the garrison, that he agreed upon very honorable terms of surrender, and 
promised the troops a safe escort to Fort PJdward. Montcalm's Indians, expect- 
ing blood and booty, were enraged by the merciful terms, and at the mo- 
mfedSfij^ien the English entered the forests a mile from Fort William 
Heni^jjBkp savages fell upon them with great fury, slaughtered a large number, 
plunde^fe; their baggage, and pursued them to within cannon shot of Fort 
Edward, ^^ontcalm declared his inability to restrain the Indians, and expressed 
his deep sorrpw. The fort and all its appendages were burned or otherwise 
destroy ed.8 ^It was never rebuilt, and now [1854] nothing marks its site but an 

1. Note 3, p. 102. 2. Verse 48, p. 102. 

3. Verse 20, p. 144. 4. Verse 17, p. 143. 5. Verse 19, p. 144. 

6. Israel Putnam, afterward a major general in the army of the Revolution. He now held the com- 
mission of major, and with major Rogers and his rangers, performed important services during the 
whole French and Indian war. 

". It is said that Montcalm was just on the point of raising the siege and returning to Ticonderoga, 
when Webb's cowardly letter fell into his hands. The number and strength of Johnson's troops had 
been greatly exaggerated, and Montcalm was preparing to flee. 

8. Major Putnfipi visited the ruins while the fires were yet burning, and he described the scene as 
very appalling. 'The bodies of murdered Englishmen were scattered in every direction, some of them 
half consumed among the embers of the conflagration. Among the dead were more than one hundred 
women, many of whom had been scalped [note 5, p. 10] by the Indians. 

Questions. — 2fi. In what expedition did Loudon engage ? How was it conducted ? What was the 
result? 27. What did Montcalm do in the Sunmier of 1757 ? Can you relate the circumstances of the 
siege of Fort William Henry ? How did general Webb behave f 28. How came Monro to surrender? 
What atrocities were committed ? What was done with the fort ? 



148 



COLONIES. 



.ell 



Ti'cont/rr.nr/i/ epj * 




irregular line of low mounds on the border of the lake, 
a short distance from the village of Caldwell. Thus 
ended the military operations of the earl of Loudon, for 
1757. 

29. The result of the war, thus far, was humihating 
to British pride, while it incited the French to greater 
efforts in the maintenance of their power in America. 
In the Anglo-American' colonies there was much irrita- 
tion. Thoroughly imbued with democratic ideas, and 
knowing their competency, unaided by royal troops, to 
assert and maintain their rights, they regarded the inter- 
ferences of the home government, as clogs upon their 
operations. Some of the royal governors were incompe- 
tent and rapacious, and all were marked by a haughty 
deportment, offensive to the sturdy democracy of the 
colonists. Their demands for men and money, did not 
always meet with cheerful and ample responses ; and 
the arrogant assumption of the English officers, dis- 
gusted the commanders of the provincial troops, and 
often cooled the zeal of whole battalions of brave 
Americans. Untrammelled by the orders, exactions 
control of imperial power, the Americans would probably have settled 
in a single campaign ; but at the close of the second year of 
the result appeared more uncertain and remote than ever. 

and clamored for the dis- 



\ 



LAKE GEORGE AND VICINITY. 



and 

the whole matter 

the war [1756] 

The people of England had perceived this clearly, 



missal of the weak and corrupt ministry tlien in power. The popular will 
prevailed, and William Pitt, b}^ far the ablest statesman England had yet pro- 
duced, was called to the control of public affairs in June. 1757. 

30. Energy and good judgment marked every movement of Pitt's administra-f 
tion, especially in measures for prosecuting the war in America. Lord Loudon 
was recalled, 2 and general Abercrombie-^ was appointed to succeed him. A 
strong naval annanent was prepared and placed under the command of admiral 
Boscawen ; and twelve thousand additional English troops were allotted to the 
service in America.^ \Pitt addressed a circular to the several colonies, asking 
them to raise and clothe twenty thousand men. He promised in the name of 
Parliament, to furnish arras, tents, and provisions for them ; and also to reim- 
burse the several colonies, all the money they should expend in raising and 
clothing the levies. These liberal offers had a magical effect, and an excess of 
levies soon appeared. New England alone raised fifteen thousand men ; ' New 
York furnished almost twenty-seven hundred, New Jersey one thousand, Penu- 



1. This is the title piven to Americans who are of English descent. Those who are descendants of 
the Saxons who settled in Eiisland, are called Ansrlo-Saxons. 

2. Pitt frave as a chief reason for recallins;: London, that he could never hear from him, and did not 
know what he was about. Loudon was always arrtinging great plans, but executed nothing. It was re- 
marked to Dr. Franklin, when he made inciuiries concerning him, that he was " like St. George on the 
signs — always on horseback, but never rides forward." 

3. Verse 21, p. 145. 

4. Pitt had arranged such an admirable militia system for home defence, that a large number of the 
troops of the standing army could be spared for foreign service. 

5. Public and private advances during 1758, in Massachusetts alone, amounted to more than a million 
of dollars. The faxes on real estate, in order to raise money, were enormous ; in many instances eiiual 
to two-thirds of the income of the tax payers. Yet it was levied hy their oirtt repre^en'fatives, and they 
did not murmur. A few years later, an almost nominal tax in the form of duty upon an article of lux- 
ury, levied icithout their consent, excited the people of that colony to rebellion. " See verse 29. p. 169. 



Questions.—^. "Wliat had the war thus far effected ? What were the feelings of the colonists ? What 
reasons had they for comt^laints? What might they have done? What was done in England ? 30. 
AVhat did Pitt exhibit ? Wiiat prei>ai ations were made for war? How did Pitt please the Americans? 
What were the effects of his liberal policy? 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 



149 



.sylvania almost three thousand, and "Virginia over two thousand. Some came 
from other colonies. Royal American troops organized in the CaroUuas, were 
ordered to the North ; and when Abercrombie took command of the army in the 
Spring of 1758 [May], he found fifty thousand men at his disposal; a number 
greater than the whole male population of the French dominions in America, at 
that time.^ 

CAMPAIGX OF 1T58. 




LORD AMHERST. 



31. Louisburg,2 Ticonderoga,^ and Fort du Quesne,-* were the principal points 
of operation specified iu,the plan of the campaign of 1758. Boscawen arrived 
at Halifax early in May, with about forty armed vessels bearing a land force of 

twelve thousand men, under General Amherst' as 
chief, and General Wolfe^ as his lieutenant. They 
left Halifax on the 28th of May, and on the 8th of 
June the troops landed, without much opposition, 
on the shore of Gabarus Bay, near the city of Lou- 
isburg.''' The French almost immediately deserted 
their outposts, and retired within the town and 
fortress. After a vigorous resistance for almost 
fifty days, and when all their shipping in the har- 
bor was destroyed, the French surrendered [July 
26, 1758] the town and fort, together with the 
island of Cape Breton and that of St. John (now 
Prince Edward), and their dependencies, by capit- 
ulation. The spoils of victory were more than five 

thousand prisoners, and a large quantity of munitions of war. By this victory, 

the English became masters of the coast almost to the mouth of the St. Lawrence. 

vWhen Louisburg fell, the power of France in America began to wane, and from 

that time its decline was continual and rapid. , 

32. "While Amherst and "Wolfe were conquering in 
the East, Abercrombie and the young Lord Howe were 
leading seven thousand regulars, nine thousand pro- 
vincials, and a heavy train of artillery, against Ticon- 
deroga, then occupied hy Montcalm with about four 
thousand men. Abercrombie's army had rendezvoused 
at the head of Lake George, and at the close of a calm 
Sabbath evening [July 1758] they went down that 
beautiful sheet of water in flat-boats, and at dawn 
landed at its northern extremity [July 6]. The whole 
country from there to Ticonderoga was covered with 
a dense forest, and tangled morasses lay in the path- 
way of the English army. Led by incompetent guides they were soon bewil- 
dered, and while in this condition, they were suddenly attacked by a French 




TICONDEROGA. 



1. The total number of inhabitants in Canada, then capable of bearing arms, did not exceed twenty- 
thousand. Of them, between four and five thousand were regular troops. 

2. Verse 46, p. 102. 3. Note .S, p. 150. 4. Verse 8, p. 159. 

5. Lord JeflFrey Amherst was born in Kent, Enprland, in 1717. He was commander-in-cbief of the 
armv in England, during a part of our war for independence, and afterward. He died in 1797, aged 
eighty years. 

6. Note 3, p. 154. 7- Note 3, p. 102. 



Qtiestion/i. — 31. What was the plan of the campaign of 1758? Can von relate the circumstances 
of the cnptnre of Loui.sbnrg? What were the spoils? Wliat were the effects of this victory? 32. What 
was occurring at Ticonderoga? Can you relate the circnmstances of the advance of the English army? 
What disasters befel them ? What can you tell of Lord Howe ? 



150 



COLONIES. 



scouting party. The enemy was repulsed, but the victory was at the expense 
of the hfe of Lord Howe/ He fell at the head of the advanced guard, and a 
greater part of the troops, who considered him the soul of the expedition, re- 
treated in confusion to the landing place. 

33. Intelligence reached Abercrombie that a reinforcement for Montcalm was 
approaching. Deceived concerning the strength of the French lines across the 
neck of the peninsula on which the fortress stood,'- he pressed forward to the 

attack without his artillery, and ordered his troops 
to scale the breastworks [July 8]. in the face of the 
enemy's fire. They proved much stronger than he 
anticipated, 3 and after a bloody conflict of four 
hours, Abercrombie fell back to Lake George, 
leaving almost two thousand of his men dead or 
wounded, in the deep forest.^ He hastened to 
his former camp at the head of the lake, and then, 
on the urgent solicitation of colonel Bradstreet, 
he detached three thousand men under that officer, 
to attack the French post at Frontenac.^ They 
went by way of Oswego and Lake Ontario, and 
two days after landing [Aug. 27, 1758], captured 
the fort, garrison, and shipping, without much 
resistance.^ Bradstreet lost only three or foiu* 
men in the conflict, but a fearful sickness broke 
out in his camp, and destroyed about five hun- 
dred. With the remainder, he slowly retraced his steps, and at the carrying 
place on the Mohawk, where the village of Rome now stands, his troops as- 
sisted in building Fort Stanwix." Abercrombie, in the meanwhile, after 
garrisoning Fort George,^ returned with the remainder of his troops to Albany. 

34. General John Forbes commanded the expedition against Fort du Quesne,^ 
and in July had about nine thousand men at his disposal, including the Virginia 
troops under Colonel TTashington, at Fort Cumberland. Protracted sickness and 
perversity of will and judgment, caused delays almost fiital to the expedition. 
Contrary to the advice of Washington, Forbes insisted in constructing a new 




LORD HOTTE. 



1. Lord Howe was brother of admiral IiOrd Howe, who commanded the British fleet on the American 
coast, in lT7t>-'77, and of Sir William Howe, the commander of the land forces. He was preatly beloved 
by the troops, and Mante, who was in the service, remarks : " With him the soul of the expedition seemed 
to expire."' He was only thirty-four years of age wlien he fell. The legislature of Massachusetts Bay ap- 
propriated SI, 250 for a monument to liis memory, in Westminster Abbey. His remains were conveyed 
to Albany by captain ^afterwards general) Philip Schuyler, and there placed in a vault. 

2. The diagram (p. 149) shows the general form of the" principal works. The ground on which Ticon- 
deroga stood, is aV>out one hundred feet above the level of the lake. Water is upon three sides, and a 
deep morass extends almost across the fourth, forming a narrow neck, where the French had erected 
a strong line of breastworks with batteries. This line was about a mile north-west of the fortress, which 
occupied the point of the iH?ninsnla. The ruins of the fort are yet [1S54] quite picturesque. See page 15". 

3. The breastworks were nine feet in height, covered in front by sharpened branches of felled trees, 
pointing outwards like a mass of bayonets. 

4. Among the wounded was captain ChUrles Lee, afterward a general in the army of the Kevolution. 
5 Verse 12. p. 141. 

6. They made eight hundred prisoners, and seized nine armed vessels, sixty cannons, sixteen mortars, 
a large quantity of ammunition and stores, and goods designed for traffic with the Indians. Among 
Bradstreet's subalterns, was Nathaniel Woodhull, afterward a general at the commencement of the war 
for Independence, [See note 4, p. 1891. Stark, Ward, Pomeroy, Gridley, Putnam, Schuyler, and manv 
others who were distinguished in the Revolutionary struggle, were active participants in the scenes of 
the French and Indian War. 

7. Verse 22, p. 204. , , , 

8. Fort George was erected about a mile south-east of the ruins of Fort William Henry, at the head of 
I,ake George. The ruius of the main work, or citadel, are still [1854] quite prominent. 

9. Verses, p. 139. 



Qiuuitw)u.—3a. Wliat did Abercrombie attempt? What befel him? Wliat other expedition was 
planned, and how was it executed? 34. Wliat were the operations of the English in Western Pennsyl- 
vania, in 1758? How was Fort du Quesne captured ? What did Forbes then do ? 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 151 

road, farther north, over the mountains, instead of following the one made by 
Braddock. His progress was so slow, that in September, when it was known 
that not more than eight hundred men were at Fortdu Quesne,i Forbes, with 
six thousand troops, was yet east of the Alleghanies. Major Grant, at the head 
of a scouting party of Boquet's advanced corps, was attacked [Sept. 21], de- 
feated, and made prisoner. Still Forbes moved slowly and methodically, and 
it was November [Nov. 8], before he joined Boquet with the main body, fifty 
miles from the point of destination. The approach of Winter, and discontent 
of the troops, caused a council of war to decide upon abandoning the enterprise, 
when three prisoners gave information of the extreme weakness of the French 
garrison. Washington was immediately sent forward, and the whole army pre- 
pared to follow. Indian scouts discovered the Virginians when they were within 
a day's march of the fort, and their fear greatly magnified the number of the 
provincials. The French garrison, reduced to five hundred men, set fire to the 
fort [Nov. 24], and fled down the Ohio in boats, in great confusion, leaving 
everything behind them. The Virginians took possession the following day. 
Forbes left a detachment of four hundred and fifty men, to repair and garrison 
the fort, and then hastened back to go into winter quarters. The name of Fort 
du Quesne was changed to Fort Pitt, in honor of the great Enghsh statesman.^ 

35. The campaign of 1758, resulted in great gain to the Enghsh. They had 
effectually humbled the French, by capturing three of their most important 
posts, 3 and by weakening the attachment of their Indian allies. Many of the In- 
dians had not only deserted the French, but at a great council held at Easton, on 
the Delaware, during the Summer [1758], had, with the Six Nations,^ made 
treaties of friendship or neutrality with the English.^ The right arm of French 
success was thus paralyzed, and peace was restored to the frontiers of Pennsyl- 
vania and Virginia. 

CAMPAIGN OF 1759. 

33. T!i? final struggle was now at hand. Encouraged by the success of the 
campaigns just closed, Pitt conceived the magnificent scheme of conquering all 
Canada, and destroying, at one blow, the French dominion in America. That 
dominion was now confined to the region of the St. Lawrence, for more distant 
settlements in the West and South, were like weak colonies cut off from the 
parent country. Pitt had the rare fortune to possess the entire confidence and 
esteem of the Parliament and the colonists. The former was dazzled by his 
greatness ; the latter were deeply impressed with his justice. He had promptly 
reimbursed all the expenses incurred by the provincial Assemblies during the 
campaign, 6 amounting to almost a million of dollars, and they promptly seconded 
his scheme of conquest, which had been communicated to them under an oath 
of secrecy. 

37. The unsuccessful Abercrombie''' was succeeded by the successful Amherst,^ 
and early in the Spring [1759], the new commander-in-chief found twenty thou- 

1. The capture of Fort Frontenac spread alarm among the French west of that important post, because 
their supplies from Canada were cut otF. It so alTected the Indians with fear, that a greater part of 
those who were allied to the French, deserted them, and Fort du Quesne was feebly garrisoned. 

2. Verse 29, p. 14& 

3. Louisburg, Frontenac, and du Quesne. Others, except Quebec, were stockades. Note 5, p. 139. 

4. Verse 5, p. 18. 

5. The chief tribes represented, were the Delaicares, Shaicnees, Nanticokes, Mohegarut, Conoys. and 
Monseys. The Ticighticees on the Ohio [verse 7, p. 14,1 bad always remained the friends of the English. 

6. Verse 30, p. 148. 7. Verse 33, p. 150. 8. Verse 31, p. 149. 



QueMiom.—'i5. What was the result of the campaign of 1758? 36. What scheme did Pitt contemplate? 

What was the extent of the French dominion in America? What caused Pitt to be very popular? 

87. What preparations were made for the conquest of Canada ? What were the general plans for that 
purpose ? 



152 



COLONIES. 



sand provincial troops at his disposal. A competent land and naval force was 
also sent from England to co-operate with the Americans, and the campaign 
opened with brilliant prospects for the colonies. The general plan of operations 
against Canada, was similar to that of Phipps and Winthrop in 1690.^ A strong 
land and naval force under general "Wolfe, was to ascend the St. Lawrence and 
attack Quebec. Another force under Amherst, was to drive the French from 
Lake Champlain, seize Montreal, and join Wolfe at Quebec; and a third expe- 
dition, commanded by general Prideaux,"^ was to capture fort Niagara, and then 
hasten down lake Ontario to Montreal. 

38. General Amherst appeared before Ticonderoga with eleven thousand 
men, on the 22d of July, 1759. The French commander had just heard of the 
arrival of Wolfe at Quebec [June 27], and offered no resistance. The garrison left 
the lines [July 23], and retired within the fort, and three days afterward [July 26], 
they abandoned that also, partially demolished it, and fled to Crown Point.^ Am- 
herst pursued them, and on his approach, they took to their boats [Aug. 1], 

and went down the lake to Isle Aux Noix,^ in the Sorel 
river. Amherst remained at Crown Point long enough to 
construct a sufficient number of rude boats to convey his 
troops, artillery, and baggage, and then started to drive his 
enemy before him, across the St. Lawrence. It was now mid 
autumn [Oct. 11], and heavy storms compelled him to return 
to Crown Point, and place his troops in winter quarters.^ 
While there, they constructed that strong fortress, whose pic- 
turesque ruins, after the lapse of almost a hundred years, 
yet [1854] attest its strength. 

39. Prideaux, accompanied by Sir William Johnson 
as his lieutenant, collected his forces (chiefly provin- 
cial)5 at Oswego, and sailed from thence to Niagara. 
Landing without opposition [July 17, 1759], he im- 
mediately commenced the siege. He was kiUed the 
same day by the bursting of a gun, and was succeeded 
in command by general Johnson. The beleaguered 
garrison, in daily expectation of reinforcements which 
had been ordered from the southern and western 
forts, held out bravely for three weeks, when the 
expected troops appeared [July 24]. They were 
almost three thousand strong, one half being French 
regulars, and the remainder Indians, many of them 
from the GreeW and Cherokee^ nations. A severe 




CEOWN POINT. 




FOET NIAGAEA. 



1. Verse 37, p. 97. 2. Pronounced Pre-do. ^ . ^ ^^ ,., .u 

3. The above diagram shows the general form of the military works at Crown Pomt These, like the 
ruins at Ticonderoga, are quite picturesque remains of the past. AAA show the position ot the 
strong stone barracks, portions of which are vet standing. W shows the place of a very deep well, dug 
through the solid rock. It was filled up, and so remained until a few years ago, when some money-diggers, 
foolishly believing there was treasure at the bottom, cleaned it out. They found nothing. 

4. Pronounced O JVoo-aTi. .... 

6. While at Crown Point, Major Rogers, at the head of his celebrated Rangers, went on an expedition 
against the St. Francis Indians, who had long been a terror to the frontier settlements of New England. 
The village was destroyed, a large number of the Indians were slain, and the Rangers were completely 
victorious. They suffered from cold and hunger while on their return, and many were left dead in the 
forest before the party reached the nearest settlement at Bellows Falls. Rogers went to England after the 
war, returned in 1775, joined the British army at New York, and soon went to England again, where he 
died. 

6. Johnson's influence over the Six Nations, made many of them disregard the treaty of neutrality 
made with Montcalm [note 2, p. 146], and a considerable number accompanied him to Niagara. 

7. Verse 2, p. 21. 8. Verse 1. p. 19. 



Questions.— ^^. What caused the French to leave Lake Champlain? What did Amherst attempt? 
What did he accomplish? 39. Can you relate the circumstances of the expedition against Niagara ? 
Why did Johnson not proceed to Montreal ? 



FEENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 



153 



conflict ensued. The relief forces were completely routed, and on the following 
day [July 25], Fort Niagara and its dependencies, and the garrison of seven 
hundred men, were surrendered to Johnson, The connecting link of French 
military posts between Canada and Louisiana,^ was effectually broken, never 
again to be united. Encumbered with his prisoners, and unable to procure 
a sufficient number of vessels for the purpose, Johnson could not proceed to 
Montreal according to the original plan.- He garisoned Fort Niagara, and 
returned home. 

40. Wolfe^ left Louisburg, with eight thousand troops, under a convoy of twent}'- 
two line-of-battle ships, and as many frigates and smaller armed vessels, com- 
manded by Admirals Holmes and Saunders, and toward the close of June [June 
27], landed upon Orleans Island, a few miles below Quebec. That city then, as 

now, consisted of an Upper and Lower Town, the 
former within fortified walls, upon the top and 
declivities of- a high peninsula ; the latter lying 
upon a narrow beach at the edge of the water. 
Upon the heights, three hundred feet above the 
water, was a level plateau called the Plains of 
Abraham. At the mouth of the St. Charles, which 
here enters the St. Lawrence, the French had 
moored several floating batteries.* The town was 
strongly garrisoned by French regulars, and along the 
north bank of the St. Lawrence, from the St. Charles 
to the Montmorenci river, was the main French 
army, under 2k[ontcalm,5 in. a fortified camp. It 
was composed chiefly of Canadian militia and In- 
dians. 

41. The English took possession of Point Levi [July 30], opposite Quebec, 
and throwing hot shot from a battery, they almost destroyed the Lower Town. 
They could not damage the 

strong fortifications of the 
city from that distance, and 
Wolfe resolved to attack the 
French camp. He had al- 
ready landed a large force 
under generals Townshend 
and Murray, and formed a 
camp [July 10, 1759], be- 
low the river Montmorenci. 
Gen. Monckton, with grena- 
diers,^ and other troops, 
crossed from Point Levi, and 
landed upon the beach 
[July 31], at the base of 




GENERAL WOLFE. 







^f^nsi^re^zzff^- 




MILITARY OPERATIONS AT QCEBEC. 



1. Terse 3, p. 137. 2. Verse 37, p. 151. 

3. James Wolfe was the son of a British general, and born in Kent, England, in 1726. Before he 
was twenty years of age, ha was distinguibhed in battle. He was now only thirty-three years old. 

4. These were a kind of flat-boats, with proper breastworks or other defences, and armed with cannons. 

5. He was descended from a noble family. He was appointed governor of Canada in 1756. His re- 
mains are beneath the Ursuline convent at Quebec. 

6. Grenadiers are companies of the regular army, distinguished from the rest by some peculiarity of 
dress and accoutrements, and always composed of the tallest and most muscular men in the service. 
They are generally employed in bayonet charges, and sometimes carried grenades, a kind of small 
bomb-shell. 



Questions. — 10. What expedition approached Quebec ? What was the situation of the city ? How was 
it defended? How was the French army situated? 11. What po.sitiou did the English armj^ and fleet 
take before Quebec ? What engagement took place, and what was the result ? 



154 COLONIES. 

the high river bank, just above that stream. Murray and Townshend were or- 
dered to force a passage across the Montmorenci, and co-operate with him, but 
Monckton was too eager for attack, to await their coming. He unwisely 
rushed forward, but was soon repulsed, and compelled to take shelter behind 
a block-house^ near the beach, just as a heavy thunder-storm, which had been 
gathering for several hours, burst upon the combatants. Night came on before it 
ceased, and the roar of the rising tide warned the English to take to their boats. 
Five hundred of their number had perished. 

42. Eight weeks elapsed, and yet the English had gained no important ad- 
vantages. Wolfe had received no intelhgence from Amherst, and the future 
appeared gloomy. The exposure, fatigue, and anxiety which he had endured, 
produced a violent fever, and at the beginning of September [1759], he lay pros- 
trate in his tent. He called a council of war at his bedside, and on the sugges- 
tion of Townshend, it was resolved to scale the heights of Abraham,^ and assail 
the town on its weakest side. Wolfe' heartily approved of the design. A plan 
was speedily matured, and feeble as he was, the commander-in chief determined 
to lead the assault in person. The camp at the Montmorenci was broken up 
[Sept. 8], and the attention of Montcalm was directed from the real designs of 
the English, by seeming preparations to again attack his lines. The affair was 
managed so secretly and skilfully, that even De Bourgainville, who had been 
sent up the St. Lawrence, with fifteen hundred men, to watch the movements of 
the English, had no suspicion of their designs. 

43. On the evening of the 12th of September, the attacking party ascended 
the river in several vessels of the fleet ; and at midnight, they embarked in flat 
boats, with muffled oars, and moved silently down to the mouth of a ravine, a 
mile and a half from the city, and landed.3 At dawn [Sept. 13], lieutenant- 
colonel Howei led the van up the tangled ravine, in the face of a sharp fire from 
a guard above. He was followed by the generals and the remainder of the 
troops, with artillery ; and at sunrise the whole army stood in battle array upon 
the Plains of Abraham.^ It was an apparition, little anticipated by the vigilant 
Montcalm. 

44. The French commander perceived the peril of the city ; and marching 
his whole army immediately from his encampment, crossed the St. Charles, and 
between nine and ten o'clock in the morning [Sept. 13], confronted the English. 
A general, fierce, and bloody battle now ensued. Although twice severely 
wounded, Wolfe kept his feet ; and as the two armies closed upon each other, 
he placed himself at the head of his grenadiers, and led them to a charge. 
At that moment a bullet entered his breast. He was carried to the rear ; and a 
few moments afterward, Monckton, who took the command, also fell, severely 
wounded. Townshend continued the battle. Montcalm soon received a 
fatal wound; 6 and the French, terribly pierced by Enghsh bayonets, and 

1. Note 1, p. 146. 

2. The declivity from Cape Diamond, on which the chief fortress stands, along the St. Lawrence to the 
cove below Sillery, was called by the general name of the heights of Abraham, the plains of that name 
being on the top. See map on page 153. 

3. This place is known as WoIfVx Cove ; and the ravine, which here breaks the steepness of the rocky 
shore, and up which the English clambered, is called WoIjVs Ravine. 

4. Afterward general Sir William Howe, the commander-in-chief of the English forces in America, 
when the Revolution had fairly commenced. Verse 10, p. 176. 

5. Verse 40, p. 153. , ., ,.„ , .,. r. .. t , ,i 

6. He was carried into the city, and when told that he must die, he said. So much the better ; 1 shall 
then be spared the mortification of seeing the surrender of Quebec." His remains are yet in Quebec ; 
those of Wolfe were conveyed to England. People of the two nations have long dwelt peaceably to- 
gether in that ancient city, and they have united in erecting a tall granite obelisk, dedicated to the 
linked memory of SVolfe and Montcalm. See sketch on page 155. 

Questions. — 42. What circumstances discouraged Wolfe? What plan was arranged ? What movements 
were made? 43. How did the English proceed to the attack of Qiiebec ? What difficulties did they over- 
come ? How did they prepare for battle ? 44. What did Montcalm do ? Can you describe the battle ? 
Relate the circumstances of Wolfe's death. 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR, 



155 




smitten by Highland broadswords, broke and fled.' "Wolfe 
died just as the battle ended, with a smile upon his lips, be- 
cause his ears heard the victory-shouts of his army. 

45. Townshend now prepared to besiege the city. 
Threatened famine within aided him ; and five days after the 
death of Wolfe [Sept, 18, 1759], Quebec, with its fortifica- 
tions, shipping, stores and people, was surrendered to the 
English, and five thousand troops, under general Murray, 
immediately took possession. The campaign now ended, yet 
Canada was not conquered. The French yet held Montreal, 
and had a considerable land and naval force above Quebec. 

CAMPAIGN OP 1160. 



46. Earlv m the Sprmg of 1760, Yaudreuil, then governor- 

, X t^ J J. -nr T • Al C -Kr A. MONUMENT TO WOLFE 

general of Canada, sent M. Levi, the successor of Mont- and montcalm. 
calm, to recover Quebec. He went down the St. Lawrence 
with six frigates and a strong land force. General Murray marched out, and 
met him at Sillery, about three miles above Quebec, and there was fought [April 
28, 1760] one of the most sanguinary battles of the war. Murray was de- 
feated. He lost all his artillery, and about a thousand men, but succeeded in 
retreating to the city with the remainder. Levi now laid siege to Quebec, and 
Murray's condition was becoming perilous, from the want of supplies, when 
an English squadron, with reinforcements and provisions, appeared [May 9] in 
the St. Lawrence. Levi supposed it to be the whole British fleet, and at once 
raised the seige [May 10], and fled to Montreal, after losing most of his shipping. 

47. The last stronghold of the French was now to be assailed; and Yaudreuil 
gathered all his forces at Montreal for the final struggle. Amherst made exten- 
sive preparations during the Summer; and early in September [Sept. 6-7], three 
English armies met before the doomed city. Amherst, at the head of ten 
thousand troops, and a thousand warriors of the Six Nations, under general 
Johnson, 2 arrived on the 6th, and was joined, the same day, by general Murray 
and four thousand troops, from Quebec. The next day, colonel Haviland ar- 
rived, with three thousand troops, from Crown Point, 3 having taken possession 
of Isle Aux-Noix,^ on the way. Against such a crushing force, resistance would 
be vain; and Yaudreuil immediately signed a capitulation [Sept. 8, 1760], sur- 
rendering Montreal and all other French posts in Canada, into the hands of the 
English.5 The regular troops, made prisoners at Montreal, were to be sent to 
France ; and the Canadians were guarantied perfect security in person, property 
and religion.6 General Gage^ was appointed governor at Montreal; and Mur- 
ray, with four thousand men, garrisoned Quebec. 

48. The subjugation of the French produced great joy in the Anglo-American 
colonies,^ and everywhere the people assembled to utter public thanksgivings to 
Him who rules the nations. Although the war had ceased in America, the 
French and English continued it upon the ocean, and among the West India 



1. The English lost, in killed and wounded, about six hundred ; the French had about five hundred 
killed, and a thousand, including the wounded, made prisoners. 

2. Verse 19, p. 144. 3. Verse 17, p. 143. 4. Note 4, p. 152. 

5. The chief posts surrendered were Presque Isle (now Erie, Pennsylvania), Detroit and Mackinaw. 

6. They were Roman Catholics, and that is yet the prevailing religion in Lower Canada. 

7. Verse 15, p. 142, and verse 33, p. 170. 8. Note 1, p. 148. 



Qnestiom. — 1.5. How was Quebec finally captured? What was yet to be done? 46. How did the cam- 
paign of 1760 open ? What battle occurred ? How was Quebec menaced ? and how was it relieved ? 47. 
How was Montreal captured ? What was surrendered with Montreal ? Wliat was done with the con- 
quered people ? 48. How did the conquest affect the English colonies ? Where did war continue ? What 
did a treaty effect ? 



156 COLONIES. 



1 



islands, with almost continual success for the latter, until 1763, when a defin- 
itive treaty of peace,' agreed upon the year before, was signed at Paris [Feb. 
10, 1763], by which France ceded to Great Britain all her claimed possessions 
in America, eastward of the Mississippi, north of the latitude of Iberville river. "^ 
At the same time, Spain, with whom the English had been at war for a year 
previously, ceded [Feb. 10, 1763] East and West Florida to the British crown. 
And now, England held undisputed possession (except by the Indians) of the 
whole Continent, from the shores of the Gulf of Mexico to the frozen North, and 
from ocean to ocean. ^ 

49. While the English were crushing the power of the French on the north, 
the frontier settlements of the Carolinas were suffering dreadfully from frequent 
incursions of Indian war parties. French emissaries were busy among the 
Vhtrokees, hitherto the treaty friends of the Enghsh ; and their influence, and 
some wrongs inflicted upon the Indians by some frontier Virginia rangers, pro- 
duced hostilities, and a fierce war was kindled in March of 1760.^ The whole 
frontier of the Carolinas was desolated in the course of a few weeks. Amherst 
heeded the supplications of the colonists for aid; and in April, colonel Montgom- 
ery, with some British regulars and provincial troops, marched from Charles- 
ton, South Carohna, and laid waste a portion of the Cherokee country.' Yet 
those bold aboriginal highlanders were not subdued ; but when, the following 
year, colonel Grant led a stronger force against them,^' burned their towns, 
desolated their fields, and killed many of their warriors, they humbl}" sued for 
peace [June, 1761], and ever afterward remained comparatively quiet. 

50. Scarcely had the storm ceased in the South, when another, more porten- 
tous and alarming, gathered in the North-west. Pontiac, a sagacious chief of 
the Ottawas," who had been an early ally of the French, secretly confeder- 
ated several of the Algonquin tribes [1763], for the purpose of expelling the 
English from the country west of the Alleghanies.^ After the fall of Montreal,^ 
he had professed an attachment to the English ; and as there seemed safety for 
settlers west of the mountains, emigration began to pour its living streams over 
those barriers. Like Philip of Mount Hope,'" Pontiac saw, in the future, visions 
of the displacement, perhaps destruction, of his race, by the pale-faces; and he 
determined to strike a blow for life and country. So adroitly were his plans 
matured, that the commanders of the western forts had no suspicions of his con- 
spiracy until it was ripe, and the first blow had been struck [June 1763]. 
Within a fortnight, all the English posts taken by the French, west of Oswego, 
fell into his hands, except Niagara," Fort Pitt ^^ ^^d Detroit. Bouquet saved 
Pittsburg; '^ Niagara was not attacked ; and Detroit, after sustaining a siege of 

1. France and England, Spain and Portugral, were parties to this treaty. 

2. New Orleans, and the whole of Louisiana, was ceded by France to Spain at the same time, and 
she relinquished her entire possessions in North America. In 1800. Spain, bv a secret treaty, retroceded 
Louisiana to France ; and in 1803, Napoleon sold it to the United States for $15,000,000. Verso 2, p. 2.'J3. 

3. The cost, to England, of this Seven Years' War, as the conflict was called iu Europe, was five hun- 
dred and sixty millions of dollars. 

4. Verse 3, p. 19. 5. Verse 1, p. 19. 

6. Marion, Moultrie, and several other men, afterwards distinguished in the War for Independence, 
accompanied Grant on this occasion. 

7. Verse 3, p. 12. 

8. The confederation consisted of the Ottairax^ Miamies, Wyandots, Chippeicas, Pottaicatomies, Sli.i- 
^issagiiiej), Shaicnees, Outngamies or Foxes, and Wiiuiebagoes [section II., p. 12]. The Seiiecas, the most 
westerly clan of the Six Nations, also ioined in the con-^piracy. 

9. Verse 47, p. 155. 10. Verse 22, p, 92. 11. Verse 39, p. 152. 12. Verse 34, p. 150. 
13. Henry Bouquet was a brave English officer. He was appointed lieutenant-colonel in 1756, and was 

in the expedition against Fort dn Quesne [verse 34, p. 150]. In 1763, Amherst sent him from Montreal, 
with provisions and military stores for Fort Pitt. His arrival was timely, and he saved the garrison from 
destruction. The following year he commanded an expedition against the Indians in Ohio, and was 
successful. His journal was published after the war. 

Questions. — 19. What En srlish frontiers suffered Indian cruelties? What caused a war ? How was it 
terminated? 50. What Indian confederacy and conspiracy was formed .* Who *vas tlje instigator ? and 
what were his motives ? What did Pontiac accomplish ? How was he crushed ? 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 



157 



almost twelve months, was relieved by colonel Bradstreet' [May 1764], with re- 
inforcements. The Indians were now speedily subdued, their power was 
broken, and the hostile tribes sent their chiefs to ask for pardon and peace. 
The haughty Pontiac refused to bow. He went to the country of the Illinois', 
and was murdered^ [1769]. This was the last act in the drama of the French 
AND Indian War.3 

51. We have now arrived at a point in the history of the United States, of 
_s:reat interest and importance. We have traced the growth of the colonies 
through infancy and youth, their interests and destinies gradually commingling, 
until they really formed one people,-* strong and lusty like the mature man, pre- 
pared to' vindicate natural rights, and to fashion political and social systems 
adapted to their position and wants. We view them now, conscious of their 
physical and moral strength, possessing clear views of right and justice, and 
prepared to demand and defend both. This is the point in the progress of the 
new and growing nation to which our observation is now directed, when the 
great question was to be decided, whether independent self-control should be 
enjoyed, or continued vassalage to an ungenerous parent should be endured. 
Our next topic will be the events connected with the settlement of that question, 

1. Terse a3, p. 150. 

2. An Engrlish trader bribed a Peoria Indian to murder him, for which he gave him a barrel of mm. 
The place of his death was Cahokia, a small villaise on the east side of the Mississippi, a little below St. 
Louis. Pontiac was one of the greatest of all the Indian chiefs known to the white people, and deserved 
a better fate. It is said, that during the war of 1763, he appointed a commissary, and issued bills of 
credit. So highly was he esteemed by the French inliabitants, that these were received by them. Mont- 
calm thought much of him ; and at the time of his death, Pontiac was dressed in a French uniform, pres- 
ented to him by that commander. See verse 3, p. 12. 

3. The mostaccessible work in which the details of colonial events may be found, is (rraham's Colonial 
History of the United States, in two volumes octavo, published by Blanchard & Lea, Philadelphia. 

4. It must not be understood that there was yet a perfect unity of feeling among the various colonists. 
Sectional interests produced sectional jealousies, and these worked mucli mischief, even while soldiers 
from almost every colony were fighting shoulder to shoulder [verse 17, p. 190] in the continental army. 
Burnaby, who travelled in America at this period, expressed the opinion, that sectional jealousy and dis- 
similarity would prevent a permanent union ; yet he avers that the people were imbued with ideas of 
independence, and tliat it was frequently remarked among them, that " the tide of dominion was running 
westward, and that America was destined to be the mistress of the world." 




RUINS OF TICONDEROGA. 




THE REVOLUTION. PRELIMINARY EVENTS. 
1761-1775. 

SECTION I. 

1. The principles of civil and religious 
liberty, and the inalienable rights of man 
which they involve, were recognized and 
asserted long before Columbus left Palos 
for the New World. ■" Their maintenance 
had shaken thrones and overturned dynas- 
ties before Charles the First was brought 
JAMES OTIS. to the block; 2 and they had lighted the 

torch of Revolution long before the trum- 
pet tones of James Otis^ and Patrick Henry* aroused the Anglo-AmericansS to 
resist British aggression. From the earliest steps in the progress of the Ameri- 
can colonies, we have seen the democratic theories of all past reformers devel- 
oped into sturdy democratic practice ; and a love of liberty which had germi- 
nated beneath the heat of persecution in the Old "World, budded and blossomed 



1. Verse 8, p. 27. 
5. Note 1, p. 148. 



2. Verse 11, p. 78. 



3. Verse 9, p 161. 



4. Note 3, p. 161. 



Question.—!. What can you tell of the principles of civil and religious liberty ? 



THE KEVOLUTION. 159 

all over the New, wherever English hearts beat, or English tongues gave utter- 
ance. 

2. Nor did English hearts alone cherish the precious seedling, nor English 
tongues alone utter the noble doctrines of popular sovereignty; but in the 
homes of all in this beautiful land, whatever country gave the inmates birth, there 
was a shrine of freedom, and a refuge for the oppressed. Here king-craft and 
priest-craft never had an abiding place, and their ministers were always weak in 
the majestic presence of the popular will. 

3. From the beginning, the colonists had evinced an impatience of arbitrary 
rule ; and every manifestation of undue control by local magistrates or distant 
monarchs — every effort to abridge their liberties or absorb their gains, stimulated 
the growth of democratic principles. These permeated the whole social and po- 
litical life in America, and finally evolved from the crude materials of royal 
charters, religious covenants and popular axioms, that galaxy of representative 
governments which, having the justice of the English Constitution, the truth of 
Christian ethics and the wisdom of past experience for their foundation, were 
united in "the fulness of time," in that symmetrical combination of free institu- 
tions, the Republic of the United States of America. 

4. The war of the Revolution was not the violent result of recent discon- 
tents, but the culmination of a long series of causes tending to such a climax. 
The parliamentary enactments which kindled the rebellion, were not oppressive 
measures entirel}'- novel. They had their counterparts in the British statute books 
even as early as the restoration of monarchy [1660], i a hundred years before. They 
were only re-assertions of tyrannical legislative power and royal prerogatives, to 
which the colonies, in the weakness of their infancy and early youth, were com- 
pelled to submit. Now they had grown to maturity, and dared to insist upon 
receiving exact justice. They had recently emerged from an exhausting war, 
which, instead of weakening them, had taught them their real moral, political 
and physical strength. They had also learned the important lesson of power in 
union. 

5. Having acquired a mastery over the savages of the wilderness, and assist- 
ed in breaking the French power on their frontiers, into atoms, '2 the colonists felt 
their manhood stirring within them, and they tacitly agreed no longer to submit 
to the narrow and oppressive policy of Great Britain. Their industry and com- * 
merce were too expansive to be confined within the narrow limits of those re- 
strictions which the Board of Trade, ^ from time to time, had imposed, and they 
determined to regard them as mere ropes of sand. For long and gloomy years 
they had struggled up, unaided and alone, from feebleness to strength. They had 
built fortifications, raised armies and fought battles for England's glory and their 
own preservation, without England's aid, and often without her sympathy.'* 
And it was not until the growing importance of the French settlements excited the 
jealousy of Great Britain, that her ministers perceived the expediency of justice 
and liberality toward her colonies, in order to secure their loyalty and efficient 

1. Verse 15, p. 79. 2. Verses 47 and 48, p. 155. 3. Note 6, p. 99. 

4. Georgia, alone, received parliamentary aid [verse 3, p. 73], in the establishment of settlements. In 
all the other colonies, where vast sums were expended in fitting out expeditions, purchasing the soil of 
the Indians, and sustaining the settlers, neither the crown nor parliament ever contributed a farthing of 
pecuniary aid. The settling of Massachusetts alone, cost a million of dollars. Lord Baltimore spent 
two hundred thousand dollars in colonizing Maryland ; and William Penu became deeply involved in 
debt, in his efforts to settle and improve Pennsylvania. 



Questions. — 2. When and by whom were these principles cherished? What were their effects ? 3. 
What developed democratic sentiments? How were they manifested? What were their results in 
America? 4. What can you tell of the origin of the war of the Revolution? What remote causes 
assisted in producing it ? 5. What made the colonists feel strong? What was the condition of their 
commerce? What had they douo alone? What caused Britain to be just? What justified rebellion? 



160 THE REVOLUTION 

co-operation.' Compelled to be self-reliant from the beginning, the colonists 
wefe made strong by the mother's neglect ; and when to that neglect she add- 
ed oppression and scorn, they felt justified in using their developed strength in 
defence of their rights. 

6. The colonists could not complain of the wilful exercise of tyrannical power 
on the part of Great Britain. There was no motive for such a course. They 
complained of an unjust and illiberal policy, which accomplished all the pur- 
poses of absolute tyranny. The rod of iron was often covered with velvet, 
and was wielded, as often, by ignorant rather than wicked hands. Yet the 
ignorant hand with the concealed rod, smote as lustily and offensively, as if it 
had been a wicked one, and the rod bare. The first form of governmental and 
proprietary oppression'^ was in the appointment of local rulers. The people 
were not represented in the appointing power. Then came commercial restric- 
tions, 3 prohibitions to manufacture, -* imposts upon exchanges, ^ and direct tax- 
ation,6 by enactments of parliament, in which the colonists were not represented. 
At the beginning they had asserted, and during their whole progress they had 
maintained, that important political maxim, that taxation without representa- 
tion, is tyranny. Tliis was the fundamental doctrine of their political creed — 
this was the test of all parliamentary measures — this was the strong rock upon 
which the patriots of the Revolution anchored their faith and hope. 

7. When the treaty of Paris [1763] closed the French and Indian war, the 
colonists looked forward to long years of prosperity and repose. A young mon- 
arch,''' virtuous and of upright intentions, was just seated [1761] upon the Brit- 
ish throne. Having confidence in his integrity, and having recently felt the jus- 
tice of the government, under the direction of Pitt,'^ they were disposed to for- 
get the past grievances ; and being identified with the glory of England, now 
become one of the first powers on the earth, they were fond of their connection. 
But the serenity of the colonial sky soon disappeared, and it was not long before 
violent tempests were raging there. Even before the treaty at Paris, a cloud had 
arisen which portended future trouble. The war had exhausted the British 
treasury, 9 and ministers devised various schemes for replenishing it. They had 
observed the resources of the colonists, as manifested by their efforts during the 
recent struggle,'" and as they were relieved from further hostilities by the subju- 

' gation of Canada" [1759], the government looked to them for aid. Instead of 
asking it as ix favor, it was demanded as a right; instead of inviting the colonial 
assemblies to levy taxes and make appropriations, government assumed the right 
to tax their expanding commerce ; and then commenced a vigorous enforcement 
of existing revenue laws, which had hitherto been only nominally oppressive.'- 

1. Verse 36, p. 151. 

2. Three forms of government had existed, namely, charter, proprietary and royal. The New Eng- 
land governments were based on royal charters ; New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and the Caroli- 
nas were owned and governed by individuals or companies, and the remainder were immediately sub- 
ject to the crown. Notwithstanding this diversity in the source of government, the anti-monarchical 
spirit pervaded the people of all, from the beginning, and gave birth to popular legislative assemblies. 

3. Note 1, p. 80. 4. Verse 9, p. 1.S5. 5. Note 5, p. 161. 6. Verse 27, p. 168. 

7. George the Third. He was crowned in 1761, at the age of twenty years. He reigned almost sixty 
years, and died in 1820. His son was appointed Regent. 

8. Verse .36, p. 151. 9. Note 3, p. 156. 

10. French and Indian war. See page 137. 

11. Verse 47, p. 155. 

12. Commercial restrictions were imposed upon the colonies as early as 1651 [note 1, p. 80]. In 1660, 1672, 
1676, 1691, and 1692, attempts were made by parliament to derive a revenue by a tariff - taxation upon 
the colonies. In 1696 a proposition was made to levy a direct tax upon the colonies. Then, not only in 
Britain, but in America, the power of parliament (wherein the colonists were not represented), to tax 
those colonies, was strenuously denied. 



Questiom. — 6. Of what did the colonists .instly complain? What did a narrow policy accomplish ? Of 
•what rights were the colonists deprived"? 'What was their political nwixim? 7- 'What gave the colonists 
promise of prosperity r In what did they take pride? What caused the government to disappoint them? 
What did the government do ? 



PRELIMINARY EVENTS. 161 

8. The first act which revealed the intentions of Parliament to tax the colo- 
nies by enforcing the revenue laws, was the authorization [1T61], of Writs of 
Assistance. These were general search-warrants, which not only allowed the 
king's officers who held them, to break open any citizen's store or dwelling to 
search for and seize foreign merchandise, on which a duty had not been paid, 
but compelled sheriifs and others to assist in the work. The people could not 
brook such a system of petty opression. The sanctities of private hfe might be 
invaded, at any time, by hirelings. 

9. These Writs were first issued in Massachusetts, and immediately great ex- 
citement prevailed. Their legality was questioned, and the matter was brought 
before a court held in the old town hall in Boston. The advocate for the Crown 
(Mr. Gridley) argued, that as Parliament was the supreme legislature for the 
Avhole British nation, and had authorized these writs, no subject had a right to 
complain. He was answered by James Otis, ^ the younger, then advocate gen- 
eral of the province. On that occasion, the intense fire of his patriotism beamed 
forth with inexpressible brilliancy, and his eloquence was like lightning, far-felt 
and consuming. On that day the trumpet of the revolution was sounded. 
"The seeds of patriots and heroes were then and there sown;" and when the 
orator exclaimed, "To my dying day I will oppose, with all the power and facul- 
ties God has given me, all such instruments of slavery on one hand, and villany 
on the other," the independence of the colonies was proclaimed. 2 From that 
day began the triumphs of the popular will. Very few writs were issued, and 
these were ineffectual. 

10. The young king unwisely listened to the councils of Bute,3an unprincipled 
Scotch adventurer, who had been his tutor, and turned his back upon Pitt,^ Dis- 
astrous consequences ensued. Weak and corrupt men controlled his cabinet, 
and parliament approved of illiberal and unjust measures toward the colonists. 
The Sugar bill^ was re-enacted, and at the same time, George Grenville, then 
prime minister, proposed " certain stamp duties on the colonies." The subject was 
left open for consideration almost a year, when, in defiance of the universal op- 
position of the Americans, the famous Stamp Act, which declared that no legal 
instrument of writing should be valid, unless it bore a government stamp, be- 
came a law.s Now was executed without hesitation, a measure which no for- 

1. James Otis was born in Barnstable, Mass., in 1725. He was the leader of the Revolutionary party 
in Massachusetts, at the beg^inning. He was wounded by a British official in 1769, and never fairly re- 
covered. He was killed bv lightning in 1772. See portrait at the head of this chapter. 

2. Later than this [1768], Otis wrote to a friend in London, and said: " Our fathers were a good 
people ; we have been a free people, and if you will not let us remain so any longer, we shall be a 
great people, and the present measures can have no tendency but to hasten with great rapidity, events 
which every good and honest man would wish delayed for ages." Heevidentlyalludedto the future inde- 
pendence of the colonies. 

3. Bute was a gay Scotch earl, poor and proud. He became a favorite with the mother of George the 
Third, was appointed his tutor, and accinired such influence over the mind of the prince, that on his ac- 
cession to the throne, he made him his chief minister and adviser. The English people were much in- 
censed ; and the unwise measures of the early years of George's reign, were properly laid to the charge 
of Bute. A placard was put up iu London, with the words, •' No Scotch minister — no petticoat govern- 
ment." 

4. Pitt, disgusted by the ignorance and assurance of Bute and the misplaced confidence of the 
king, resigned office, and retired to his country seat at Hayes. The king esteemed him highly, but was 
too much controlled by Bute to follow his own inclinations. 

5. A bill which imposed a duty upon sugar, coffee, indigo, <fec., imported into the colonies from the 
West Indies. 

6. The stamps were upon blue paper, in the form seen in the engraving on the ne.xt page, and were 
to be attached to every piece of paper or parchment, on which a legal instrument was written. For these 

stamps, government charged specific prices : for example, for a common property deed, one shilling and 
sixpence ; for a diploma or certificate of a college degree, two pounds, &c., &c. 



Quentions.—S. What measure caused the first resistance? Can you explain its character T Wliat was 
done in opposition ? What was the result? 9. When and where were Writs of Assistance first issued? 
What occurred in the old town hall at Boston ? 10. What did the young king unwisely do? What con- 
sequences ensued? What odious measure did Parliament adopt, and how? 



162 



THE REVOLUTION. 




mer ministry had possessed courage or recklessness 
enough to attempt' 

11. IntelHgence of the passage of the Stamp Act 
produced general and intense indignation in Ameri- 
ca. The hearts of the people were yet thrilled by the 
eloquent denunciations of Otis,^ and soon Patrick 
Henry sent forth a response equally eloquent, from 
the heaving bosom of the Virginia Assembly.^ The 
people gathered in excited groups, and boldly ex- 
pressed their indignation. The pulpit denoxmced 
the wicked scheme, and associations of Sons of Lib- 
erty'^ in every colony, put forth their energies in de- 
fence of popular freedom. The press, then assuming 
great power, spoke out like an oracle of Truth. In 
A STAMP. several cities popular excitement created mobs, and 

violence ensued. The Stamps were seized on their 
arrival, and secreted or burned. Stamp distributors^ were insulted and despised, 
and on the day when the law was to take effect [Nov. 1, 1765], there were no 
officials courageous enough to enforce it. 

12. In the midst of this great excitement, a Congress of Delegates appointed 
by several colonies, assembled [Oct. 7] at New York.^ They continued in session 
fourteen days, and in three well- written documents,'^ they ably set forth the 
grievances and the rights of the colonists, and petitioned the king and parha- 
ment for a redress of the former, and acknowledgment of the latter. The pro- 
ceedings of this Second Colonial Congress^ were applauded by all the provincial 
assemblies, and the people of America were as firmly united in heart and pur- 
pose then, as they were after the Declaration of Independence, more than ten 
years later. 



1. During Walpole's administration [1732], a stamp duty was proposed. He said, " I will _ leave the 
taxation of America to some of my successors, who have more courage than I have." Sir William 
Keith, governor of Pennsylvania, proposed such a tax in 1739. Franklin thought it just, when a dele- 
gate in the Colonial Congress at Albany, in 1754 [verse 10, p. 140]. But when it was proposed to Pitt in 
1759, he said, " I will never burn my fingers with an American Stamp Act." 

2. Verse 9, p. 161. 

3. He introduced a series of resolutions, highly tinctured with rebellious doctrines. He asserted the 
general rights of all the colonies ; then the exclusive right of the Virginia Assembly to tax the people 
of that province, and boldly declared that the people were not bound to obey any law relative to taxa- 
tion, which did not proceed from their representatives. The last resolution declared that whoever should 
dissent from the doctrines inculcated in the others, shoiild be considered an " enemy of the colonies." 
The introduction of these resolutions produced great excitement and alarm. Henry supported them 
with all the power of his wonderful eloquence. Some rose from their seats, and others sat in breathless 
silence. At length, when alluding to tyrants, he exclaimed, " Caesar had liis Brutus, Charles the First 
his Cromwell, and George the Third " — there was a cry of " Treason ! treason !" He paused a moment, 
and said — " may profit by their example. If that be treason, make the most of it." [See picture at the 
head of this chapter. The head of the speaker is a correct likeness of Patrick Henry.] Apart of his 
resolutions were adopted, and these formed the first gauntlet of defiance cast at the feet of the British 
monarch. Their power was felt throughout the land. 

4. These Associations were composed of popular leaders and others, who leagued with the avowed de- 
termination to resist oppression to the uttermost. After their organization in the different colonies, they 
formed a sort of National league, and by continual correspondence, aided effectually in preparing the 
way for the Revolution. 

5. Men appointed by the crown to sell the government stamps, or stamped paper. 

6. Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and South Caro- 
lina, were represented. The Assemblies of those not represented, declared their readiness to agree to 
whatever measures the Congress might adopt. Timothy Ruggles, of Massachusetts (who afterwards 
commanded a corps of Tories) [note 3, p. 171], presided. 

7. A Declaration of Eiffhts, written bv John Cruger, of New York : a Memorial to hoth Housesof Par- 
liament, by Robert R. Livingston, of New York : and a Petition, to the Idng, by James Otis, of Massa- 
chusetts. 

8. Verse 10, p. 140. 



QueHionii.—\\. What were the efi"ects of the Stamp Act, in America? What associations were 
formed ? What did they do ? How was popular indignation evinced ? 12. What Cougress assembled 
at New York ? What did the delegates do ? What were the effects ? 



PRELIMINARY EVENTS. 163 

13. The first of November was observed as a day of fasting and mourning. 
Funeral processions paraded city streets, and bells tolled funeral knells. The 
colors of vessels were placed at half-mast, and the newspapers exhibited the 
biack-line, tokens of public grief The courts were now closed, legal marriages 
oeased, ships remained in port, and for some time all business was suspended. But 
the lull in the storm was of brief duration. The people were only gathering 
strength for more vigorous achievements in defense of their rights. The Sons of 
Liberty^ put forth new efforts; mobs began to assail the residences of oflBcials, 
and burn distinguished royalists, in effig3^2 Merchants entered into agreements 
not to import goods from Great Britain while the obnoxious Act remained a 
law, and domestic manufactures were commenced in almost every family.3 The 
wealthiest vied v/ith the middling classes in economy, and wore clothing of 
their own manufacture. That wool might not become scarce, the use of sheep 
flesh for food was discouraged. Soon, from all classes in America, there went to 
the ears of the British ministry, a respectful but firm protest. It was seconded 
by the merchants and manufacturers of London, whose American trade was 
prostrated,'* and the voice, thus made potential, was heard and heeded in high 
places. " 

14. In the meanwhile, GrenviUe^ had been succeeded in ofiBce by the Mar- 
quis of Rockingham, a friend of the colonies, and an enlightened statesman. 
William Pitt, who had been called from his retire- 
ment^ by the voice of the people, hoping much from 
the new ministry, appeared in parliament as the 
earnest champion of the Americans. Justice and 
expediency demanded a repeal of the Stamp Act,''' 
and early in January 1766, a biU for that pur- 
pose was introduced into the House of Commons, 
and was warmly supported by Pitt, Barre, and 
others. Then Edmund Burke first appeared as the 
champion of right, and during the stormy debates 
on the subject, which ensued, he achieved some of 
those earhest and most wonderful triumphs of ora- 
tory, which established his fame, and endeared him 
to the American people.^ The obnoxious Act was william put. 
repealed on the 18th of March, 1766. London ware- 
houses were illuminated, and flags decorated the shipping in the Thames. In 
America, public thanksgivings, bonfires and illuminations, attested the general 



1. Note 4, p. 162. „ . . , , . .u v 

2. Public indignation is thus sometimes manifested. A figure of a man mtenaed to represent the ob- 
noxious individual, is paraded, and then hung upon a scaffold, or burned at a stake, as an intimation of 
the deserved fate of the person thus represented. It was a common practice in England at the time in 
question, and has been often done in our own country since. r. . <. wu i * 

.3. The newspapers of the day contain many laudatory notices of the conformity of wealthy people to 
these agreements. On one occasion, forty or fifty young ladies, who called themselves ' Daughters ot 
Liberty," met at the house of Rev. Mr. Morehead, in Boston, with their spinning wheels, and spun two 
hundred and thirty -two skeins of yarn, during the dav, and presented them to the pastor. It is said 
" there were upwards of one hundred spinners in Mr. Morehead' s Society." " Within eighteen months, 
wrote a gentleman at Newport, R. I., "four hundred and eighty-seven yards of cloth, and tmrty-six 
pairsof stockings, have been spun and knit in the family of James Nixon, of this town. 

4. Half a million of dollars were due them by the colonists, at that time, not a dollar of which could 
be collected under the existing state of things. _ „ ,^ ,e, 

5. Verse 10, p. 161. 6, Note 4, p. 161. 7- \ erse 10, p. 161. 
8. Born in Ireland in 1730. He became a lawyer ; was a popular writer as well as speaker ; was in 

ofiBce about thirty years, and died in 1797. 




Questions.— 1^. What happened on the first of November, 1765 ? What did the people do in opposition 
to the Stamp Act? How were they heard? 14. What change in the ministry took place ? What was 
done concerning the Stamp Act ? What were the results? 



164 THE REVOLUTION. 

joy, and Pitt,' who had boldly declared his conviction that parliament had no 
right to tax the colonies without their consent,^ was lauded as a political Messiah. 
Non-importation associations were dissolved, business was resumed, and the 
Americans confidently expected justice from the mother country, and a speedy 
reconciliation. 

15. But another storm soon began to lower. Pitt, himself, tenacious of Brit- 
ish honor, and doubtful of the passage of the Repeal Bill without some conces- 
sions, had appended to it an act, which declared that Parliament possessed the 
power " to bind the colonies, in all cases whatsoever." The egg of tyranny 
which lay concealed in this "declaratory act," as it was called, was not per- 
ceived by the colonists, while their eyes were filled with tears of joy ; but when 
calm reflection came, they saw clearly that germ of future oppressions, and were 
uneasy. They perceived the Repeal Bill to be only a truce in the war upon 
freedom in America, and they watched every movement of the government 
party with suspicion. Within a few months afterward, a brood of obnoxious 
measures were hatched from that egg, and aroused the fiercest indignation of 
the colonists. 

16. A large portion of the House of Lords,^ the whole bench of Bishops,'* 
and many of the Commons, were favorable to coercive measures toward the 
Americans. Not doubting the power of Parliament to tax them, they prevailed 
on the Ministry to adopt new schemes for replenishing the exhausted treasury^ 
from the coffers of the colonists, and urged the justice of employing arms, if ne- 
cessary, to enforce obedience. Troops were accordingly sent to America [June 
IV 66] ; and a Mutiny Act was passed, which provided for their partial subsist- 
ence by the colonies.^ The appearance of these troops in New York, and the 
order for the people to feed and shelter the avowed instruments of their own en- 
slavement, produced violent outbreaks In that city, and burning indignation all 
over the land. The Assembly of New York arrayed itself against the govern- 
ment, and refused compliance with the demands of the obnoxious act. 

17. Soon after these troops were sent to America, Pitt was called to the head 
of the Ministry, and was created Earl of Chatham [July 30, 1766]. He opposed 
the new measures as unjust and unwise. But he could not alv/ays prevent 
mischief During his absence from Parliament, by sickness, his chancellor of 
the Exchequer (Charles Townshend) coalesced with Grr^nville^ in bringing new 

1. See portrait on page 163. William Pitt was born in 1708, and held many high offices. During an 
exciting debate in parliament, on American aflairs, in 1778, he swooned, and died within a month after- 
wards. 

2. " Taxation," said Pitt, " is no part of the governing or legislative power. Taxes are the voluntary 
gift or grant of the commons alone." " I rejoice," he said, " that America has resisted. Three millions 
of people, so dead to all tlie feelings of liberty, as voluntarily to become slaves, would have been fit in- 
struments to make slaves of the rest." Andcolonel Barre declared that the colonists were planted by 
English oppression, grew by neglect, and in all the essential elements of a free people, were perfectly 
independent of Great Britain. He then warned the government to act justly, or the colonies would be lost 
to (xreat Britain forever. 

3. Every peer in the British realm is a legislator, by virtue of his title ; and when they are assembled 
for legislative duties, they constitute the House of Lords, or upper branch of the legislature, answering, 
in some degree, to our Senate. 

4. Two archbishops, and twenty-four bishops of England and Wales, have a right to sit and vote in the 
House of Lords, and have the same political importance as the peers. By the act of nnion between Ire- 
laud and England, four " lords spiritual," from among the archbishops and bishops of the former coun- 
try, have a seat in the House of Lords. The " lords temporal and lords spiritual" constitute the House 
of Lords. The House of Commons is composed of men elected by the people, and answers to the House 
of Representatives of our Federal Congress. 

5. Verse 7, p. 160. 

6. This act also allowed military officers, possessing a warrant from a justice of the peace, to break 
into any house where he mignt suspect deserters were concealed. Like the Writs of Assistance [verse 
8, p. 161], this power might be used for wicked purposes. 

7. Verse 10, p. 161. In January, 1767, Grenville proposed a direct taxation of the colonies to the 
amount of twenty thousand dollars. 

Questions. — 15. What caused new excitements in America? 16. Who proposed to compel the Amer- 
icans to submission ? What act was passed ? What then occurred ? 17. What happened to Pitt ? What 
measures were proposed ? and by whom ? 



PEELIMINARY EVENTS. 165 

taxation schemes before Parliament. A bill was passed [June 1761] for levying 
duties upon tea, glass, paper, painters' colors, &c., imported into the colonies. 
Another was passed, in Julj^, for establishing a Board of Trade in the col- 
onies, independent of colonial legislation, and for creating resident commission- 
ers of custom to enforce the revenue laws.^ Then another, a few days later, 
which forbade the New York Assembly to perform any legislative act whatever, 
until it should comply with the requisitions of the Mutiny Act.2 

18. This direct blow at popular liberty, and these new taxation schemes, pro- 
duced excitement throughout the colonies, almost as violent as those on account 
of the Stamp Act.^ The colonial Assemblies boldly protested ; new non-im- 
portation associations were formed ; pamphlets and newspapers were filled with 
inflammatory appeals to the people, defining their rights, and urging them to a 
united resistance ;^ and early in 1768, almost every colonial assembly had 
boldly expressed its conviction, that parliament had no right to tax the colonies. 
These expressions were in response to a circular issued by Massachusetts [Feb. 
1768] to the several assemblies, asking their cooperation in obtaining a redress 
of grievances. That circular greatly oflended the Ministry ; and the governor of 
Massachusetts was instructed to command the Assembly, in the king's name, to 
rescind the resolution adopting it. The Assembly passed [June 30, 1768] an 
almost unanimous vote not to rescind, ^ and made this very order an evidence of 
the intentions of government to enslave the colonists, by restraining the free 
speech and action of their representatives. 

19. Ignorant and careless concerning the character and temper of the Amer- 
icans, the British Ministry disregarded the portentous warnings which every 
vessel from the New "World bore to their ears. Having resolved on employing 
physical force in the maintenance of obedience, and not doubting its potency, 
they became less regardless of even the forms of justice, and began to treat the 
colonists as rebellious subjects, rather than as free British brethren. Ministers 
sent circulars to the colonial Assemblies, warning them not to imitate the factious 
disobedience of Massachusetts ; ^ and the royal governors were ordered to en- 
force submission by all means in their power. The effect of these circulars was 
to disgust and irritate the Assemblies, and to stimulate their sympathy for Mas- 
sachusetts, now made the special object of royal displeasure. 

20. The new commissioners of customs" arrived at Boston in May, 1768. They 
were regarded with as much contempt as were the tax-gatherers in Judea, in 
the time of our Savior.^ It was difficult to restrain the more ignorant and excit- 
able portion of the population from committing personal violence. A crisis soon 
arrived. In June, 1768, the sloop. Liberty, belonging to John Hancock, one of 
the leaders of the popular mind in Boston,^ arrived at that port with a cargo of 

1. Note 12, p. 160, and note 6, p. 99. 2. Note 6, p. 164. 3. Verse 11, p. 162. 

4. Amonp the most powerful of these appeals, were a series of letters, written by John Dickinson, of 
Philadelphia, and entitled. Letters of a Pen7i3>/lvania Farmer. lAke Paine's Crisif!, ten years later 
[note 2, p. 187], these Letters produced a wide-spread and powerful effect on the public mind. James 
Otis asserted, in a pamphlet, that *' taxes on trade [tariffs], if designed to raise a revenue, were just as 
much a violation of their rights, as any other tax." 

5. James Otis and Samuel Adams were the principal speakers on this occasion. " When Lord Hills- 
borough [colonial secretary] knows," said the former, " that we will not rescind our acts, he should ap- 
ply to parliament to rescind theirs. Let Britons rescind their measures, or the colonies are lost to them 
forever." 

6. Verse 18, p. 165. 7. Verse 17, p. 164. 

8. The puhficanxy or toll-gatherers of Judea, being a standing monument of the degradation of the 
Jews under the Roman yoke, were abhorred. One of the accusations against our Savior was, that he 
did " eat -wiih publicans and sinners." 

9. Verse 10, p. 187. 

Queftionf. — 18. What was now done in America? What publications appeared ? What did the Assem- 
blies do ? 19. How did the ministry act ? What orders were issued r How did these affect the colonists ? 
20. How were the commissioners of customs regarded ? What produced excitement in Boston ? What 
was effected ? 



166 THE KEVOLUTION. 

Madeira wine. The commissioners demanded the payment of duties, and when 
it was refused, they seized [June 10] the vessel. The news spread over the 
town, and the people resolved on effectual resistance. The commissioners 
were assailed by a mob ; their houses were damaged ; and they were obliged to 
seek safety in Castle William^ a small fortress at the entrance to the harbor. i 

21. Alarmed by these demonstrations of the popular feeling, governor Ber- 
nard unwisely invited general Gage, 2 then in command of British troops at 
Halifax, to bring soldiers to Boston to overawe the inhabitants.^ They came in 
September [Sept. 27,1768], seven hundred in number, and on a quiet Sabbath 
morning, landed under cover of the cannons of the British ships which brought 
them, and with drums beating, and colors flying, they marched to the Common, ■* 
with all the parade of a victorious army entering a conquered city. Religion, 
popular freedom, patriotism, were all outraged, and the cup of the people's in- 
dignation was full. 5 The colonists were taught the necessary lesson, that 
armed resistance must oppose armed oppression.^ 

22. The Assembly of Massachusetts refused to afford food and shelter for the 
royal troops among them, and for this offence, parliament now became the supple 
instrument of the crown, censured their disobedience, approved of coercive 
measures, and by resolution, prayed the king to revive a long obsolete statute 
of Henry the Eighth, by which the governor of the refractory colony should 
be required to arrest and send to England for trial, on a charge of treason, the 
ringleaders in the recent tumults.''' The colonial Assembly indignantly respond- 
ed by re-asserting the chartered privileges of the people, and denying the right 
of the king to take an offender from the country, for trial. And in the House of 
Commons a powerful minority battled manfully for the Americans. Burke pro- 
nounced the idea of reviving that old statute, as "horrible." " Can you not 
trust the juries of that country ?" he asked. "If you have not a party among 
two millions of people, you must either change your plans of government, or 
renounce the colonies forever." Even Grenville opposed the measure, yet a 
majority voted [Jan. 26, 1769] in favor of the resolution. 

23. For more than a year afterward the colonies were agitated by disputes 
with the royal governors, the petty tyranny of lesser ofiicials, and the interference 
of the imperial government with colonial legislation. The Assembly of Massa- 
chusetts, encouraged by the expressed sympathy of the other colonies, firmly 
refused to appropriate a single dollar for the support of the troops. They even 
demanded their withdrawal from the city, and refused to transact any legislative 
business while they remained. Daily occurrences exasperated the people 
against the troops, and finally led to bloodshed in the streets of Boston. 

24. A rope maker quarrelled with a soldier [March 2, 1770], and struck him. 
Out of this affray grew a fight between several soldiers and rope makers. The 
latter were beaten, and this result aroused the vengeance of the more excitable 

1. About three miles S.E. from Boston. The fortress was ceded to the U. S. in 1798 ; and the follow- 
ing year it was visited by President Adams, and named Fort Independence, its present title. 

2. Verse 47, p. 155. 

3. Previous to this request, the British ministry had resolved to send troops there. 

4. A large public park, on the southern slope of Beacon Hill. 

5. As the people refused to supply the troops with quarters, they were placed, some in the State 
House, some in Faneuil Hall [page'l70], and others in tents on the common. Cannons were planted at 
ditferent points ; sentinels challenged the citizens as they passed ; and the whole city had the appear- 
ance of a camp. 

6. There were, at that time, full two hundred thousand men in the colonies, capable of bearing arms. 

7. Verse 20, p. 165. 



Qucxlinn!!. — 21. What insult was offered to the people of Boston? What did British troops do? 22. 
What did the Massachusetts Assembly do? What did Parliament do? How were certain measures 
regarded by the colonists and by Burke in the House of Commons? 23. What continued to disturb the 
colonists? What did the Massachusetts Assembly do? 24. What quarrel and fight happened in Bos- 
ton ? What sad affair occurred ? 



PRELIMINARY EVENTS. 



167 



portion of the inhabitants. A few evenings afterward [March 5], about seven 
hundred of them assembled in the streets, for the avowed purpose of attacking 
the troops. ^ A sentinel was assaulted near the custom house, when captain 
Preston, commander of the guard, went to his rescue with eight armed men. 
The mob dared the soldiers to tire, and attacked them with stones, pieces of 
ice, and other missiles. One of the soldiers who received a blow, fired, and 
his six companions also discharged their guns. Three of the citizens were 
killed and five were dangerously wounded.^ The mob instantly retreated, when 
all the bells of the city rang an alarum, and in less than an hour several thou- 
sands of exasperated citizens were in the streets. A terrible scene of blood 
would have ensued, had not governor Hutchinson assured the people that justice 
should be vindicated in the morning. 

2 5. The people demanded the instant removal of the troops from Boston, and the 
trial of captain Preston and his men, for murder. These demands were complied 
with. The troops were removed to Castle William^ [March 12, 1770], and Preston, 
ably defended by John Adams and Josiah Quincy, two of the popular leaders, was 
tried and acquitted, with six of his men, by a Boston jury. The other two sol- 
diers were found guilty of manslaughter. This result was a comment on the 
enforcement of the statute of Henry the Eighth, highly favorable to the Amer- 
icans.-i It showed that in the midst of popular excitement, the strong conserva- 
tive principles of justice, bore rule. The victims of the riot were regarded as 
martyrs to hberty,-5 and for many years, the memory of the " Boston Massacre," 
as it was called, was kept alive by anniversary orations in the city and vicinity. 

26. On the day of the bloody riot in Boston [March 5], lord North, who was 
then the English prime minister, proposed to parliament a repeal of all duties 
imposed by the act of 1767,^ except that upon tea. An act to that effect was 
passed a month afterward [April 12]. This concession was wrung from the 
minister by the clamor of English merchants and manufacturers, who again felt 
severely the operations of the non-importation associations in America. As tea 
was a luxury, North supposed the colonists would not object to the small duty 
laid upon that article, and he retained it as a standing assertion of the right of 
parliament to impose such duties. The minister entirely mistook the character 
of the people he was dealing with. It was not the petty amount of duties of 
which they complained, for all the taxes yet imposed were not in the least bur- 
densome to them. They were contending for a great principle which lay at the 



1. These were addressed by a tall man, disguised by a -white 
wig and a scarlet cloak, who closed his harangue by shouting 
" To the main guard ! To the main guard !" and then disappeared. 
It was always believed that the tall man was Samuel Adams, one 
of the most inflexible patriots of the Revolution, and at that time 
a popular leader. He was a descendant of one of the early pu- 
ritans [verse 6, p. 56], and was born in Boston in 1722. He was 
one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence ; was after- 
ward governor of Massachusetts, and died in 1803. A purer pa- 
triot than Samuel Adams, never lived. 

2. The leader of the mob was a powerful mulatto, named At- 
tucks. He and Samuel Gray, and James Caldwell, were killed 
instantly ; two others received mortal wounds. 

3. Note 1, p. 166. 

4. Verse 22, p. 166. It was so regarded in England. 

5. They were buried with great parade. All the bells of Boston 
and vicinity tolled a funeral knell while the procession was 
moving ; and as intended, the affair made a deep impression on 
the public mind. 

6. Verse 17, p. 164. 




SAMUEL ADAMS.. 



Quentions, — 25. What did the people demand ? How were these demands complied with ? How did 
Americans exhibit justice ? How were the victims of riot regarded ? 26. What did Lord North propose ? 
What made him do it? How did he mistake the character of the Americans ? What were the Ameri- 
cans contending for ? 



168 THE REVOLUTION. 

• 

foundation of their liberties ; and they regarded the imposition of a duty upon 
one article as much a violation of their sacred rights, as if ten were included. 
They accepted the ministerial concession, but, asserting their rights, continued 
their non-importation league against the purchase and use of tea.^ 

27. In 1771, the Carolinas, hitherto exempted from violent outbursts of pop- 
ular indignation, although never wanting in zeal in opposing the Stamp Act,^ 
and kindred measures, became the theatre of great excitement. To satisfy the 
rapacity and pride of royal governors, the industry of the province of North 
Carolina, especially, was enormously taxed.^ The oppression was real, not an 
abstract principle, as at the North. The people in the interior at length formed 
associations, designed to resist uujust taxation, and to control public affairs. 
They called themselves Regulators; and in 1771 were too numerous to be over- 
awed by local magistrates. Their operations assumed the character of open re- 
bellion, and governor Trj^on^ marched into that region, with an armed force, to 
subdue them. They met him upon the Alamance Creek, in Alamance county 
[May 16, 1771], and there a bloody skirmish ensued. The Regulators were 
subdued and dispersed, and Tryon marched back in triumph to the sea-board, 
after hanging six of the leaders [June 19]. These events aroused throughout 
the South, the fiercest hatred of British power, and stimulated that earnest pa- 
triotism so early displayed by the people below the Roanoke, when the Revolu- 
tion broke out.^ 

28. In June the following year, the upper part of Narraganset Bay exhibited 
a scene which produced much excitement, and widened the breach between 
Great Britain and her colonies. The commander of the British armed schooner 
Gaspe, stationed there to assist the Commissoners of customs^ in enforcing the 
revenue laws, annoyed the American navigators by haughtily commanding them 
to lower their colors when they passed his vessel, in token of obedience. The 
William Tells of the bay, refused to bow to the cap of this petty Gesler." For 
such disobedience, a Providence sloop was chased by the schooner. The latter 
grounded upon a low sandy point; and on that night [June 9, 1772], sixty-four 
armed men went down from Providence in boats, captured the people on board 
the Gaspe, and burned the vessel. Although a large reward was offered for the 
perpetrators (who were well known in Providence),^ they were never betrayed. 

1. Even before North's proposition was made to parliament, special agreements concerning the disuse of 
tea, had been made. Already the popular feeling on this subject had been manifested toward a Boston 
merchant who continued to sell tea. A company of half-grown boys placed an effigy near his door, with 
a finger upon it pointing toward his store. While a man was attempting to pull it down, he was pelted 
with dirt and stones. He ran into the store, and seizing a gun, discharged its contents among the crowd. 
A boy named Snyder was killed, and Christopher Gore (afterward governor of Massachusetts), was 
wounded. The affair pro(iuced great excitement. At about the same time three hundred "mistresses 
of families" in Boston, signed a pledge of total abstinence from the use of tea, while the duty remained 
upon it. A few davs afterward a large number of young ladies signed a similar pledge. 

2. Verse 10, p. 161. 

3. Governor Tryon caused a palace to be erected for his residence, at Newbern, at a cost of $75,000. 
for the payment of which the province was taxed. This was in 1768, and was one of the principal 
causes of discontent, which produced the cuibreak here mentioned. 

4. Verse 5, p. 185. 5. Verse 14, p. 178. €. Verse 17, p. 164. 

7. Gesler was an Austrian governor of one of the cantons of Switzerland. He placed his cap on a pole, 
at a gate of the town, and ordered all to bow to it, when they should enter. William Tell, a brave 
leader of the people, refused. He was imprisoned for disobedience, escaped, aroused his countrymen 
to arms, drove their Austrian masters out of tl e land, and achieved the independence of Switzerland. 

8. One of the leaders was Abraham Whipple, a naval coramanderduring the Revolution [verse2, p. 221]. 
Several others were afterward distinguished for bravery during that struggle. Four years afterward, 
when Sir James Wallace, a British commander, was in the vicinity of Newport, Whipple became 
known as the leader of the attack on the GaspS. Wallace sent him the following letter : ' \ou, Abra- 
ham Whipple, on tlie 9th of June, 1772, burned his majesty's vessel, the Gaspe, and I will hang you at 
the yard arm." To this Whipple replied : " To Sir James Wallace ; Sir : Always catch a man betoie 
you hang him. Abraham Whipple." 



Questiom.—^. What happened in North Carolina? Who were the Regulators ? What did oppressive 
measures effect t 28. What happened in Narraganset Bay ? 




PRELIMINABY EVENTS. 169 

29. Early in 1773, a new thought upon taxation entered the brain of Lord 
North.' The East India Company,- having lost their valuable tea customers in 
America, by the operation of the non-importation associations,'^ and having more 
than seventeen millions of pounds of the herb in 

their warehouses in England, petitioned Parhament 
to take off the duty of three pence a pound, lev- 
ied upon the importation of the article into Amer- 
ica. The company agreed to pay the government 
more than an equal amount, in export duty, if 
the change should be made. Here was an excel- 
lent opportunity for the government to act justly 
and wisely, and to produce a perfect reconcilia- 
tion ; but the stupid ministry, fearing it might bo 
considered a submission to "rebeUious subjects," 
refused the olive branch of peace. But, continu- 
ing to misapprehend the real question at issue, 
North introduced a bill into Parliament, allowing lord north. 

the company to export their teas to America, on 

their own account, without paying an export duty. As this would make tea 
cheaper in America, than in England, he concluded the Americans would not 
object to paying the three pence duty. This concession to a commercial monop- 
oly, while spurning the appeals of a great principle, only created contempt and 
indignation throughout the colonies. 

30. The East India Company, blind as the minister, regarded the American 
market as now open for their tea, and soon after the passage of the biU [May 
10, 1773], several large ships, heavily laden with the article, were on their way 
across the Atlantic. Intelligence of these movements reached America before 
the arrival of any of the ships, and the people in most of the sea-board towns, 
where consignments of tea had been made, resolved that it should not even be 
landed. The ships which arrived at New York and Philadelphia, returned to 
England with their cargoes. At Charleston it was landed, but was not allowed 
to be sold, while at Boston the attempts of the governor and his friends,^ who 
were consignees, to land the tea in defiance of the public feehng, resulted in the 
destruction of a largo quantity of it. On a cold moonhght night [December 16, 
1773], at the close of the last of several spirited meetings of the citizens held at 
Eaneuil Hall,-5 a party of about sixty persons, some disguised as Indians, rushed 

1. ITe was itlso earl of Guilford. He was an honest but misguided statesman. He died in 1702, at Ihc 
!i.c;e of sixty years. He was piime minister of England duriLg almost the entire period of our war for 
Independence. 

2. The English East India Company was formed and chartered in IGOO, for the purpose of carrying 
on a trade by sea, between England and the countries lying east of the Cape of Good Hope [note 1, p. 
2C>]. It continued prosperous ; and about the middle of the last century, the governor of its stations in 
India, under the pretense of obtaining security for their trade, subdued small territories, and thus 
planted the foundation of that great British empire in the East, which now comprises the whole of 
Hindostan, from Cape Comorin to the Himalaya mountains, with a population of more than one hun- 
dred and twenty millions of people. 

3. Verse 13, p. 163. 

4. The public mind in Massachusetts was greatly inflamed against governor Hutchinson at this time, 
whose letters to a member of Parliament, recommending stringent measures toward the colonies, had 
been sent to the speaker of the coIoniiU Assembly, by in-. Franklin. At about the same time. Parlia- 
ment had passed a law, making the governor and judges of Massachusetts independent of the Assembly 
for their salaries, these being paid out of the revenues in the hands of the commissioners of customs. 
This removal of these officials beyond all dependence upon the people, constituted them fit instruments 
of the crown for oppressing the inhabitants, and in that aspect the colonists viewed the measure, and 
condemned it. 

5. Because the Kevolutionary meetings in Boston were held in Faneuil Hall, it was (and still is) called 
The Cradle of Liberty. It was built and presented to the town by Peter Faneuil, in 17^2. The picture 
on the next page shows its form during tlie Revolution. 

Questions. — 29. What new scheme was proposed ? What did the ministry do ? How did the Americans 
regard the matter ? 30. How was the East India Company deceived ? What did it do f How were car- 
goes of tea received in America? What happened in Boston ? 

8 



170 



THE REVOLUTION. 




FANEUii. riAi.; 



on board two vessels iu tlie liarbor, ladeu with tea, 
tore open the hatches, and in the course of two 
hours, three hundred and forty-two chests con- 
taining the herb, were broken open, and their 
contents cast into the water. 

31. This event produced a powerful sensation 
throughout the British realm. While the Ameri- 
can colonies, and even Canada, Nova Scotia, and 
the British West Indies, sympathized with the Bos- 
tonians, and could not censure them, the exasper- 
ated government adopted retaliatory measures, 
notwithstanding payment for all damage to their 
>~~ property was promised to the East India Compa- 
ny. Parliament, by enactment [March 7, 1174], 
ordered the port of Boston to be closed against 
all coinnxM-rial ti'aiisaetions whatever, and the removal of the custom house, 
courts of justice, and other public offices, to Salem. The Salem people patriot- 
ically refused the proffered advantage at the expense of their neighbors; and 
the inhabitants of Marblehead, fifteen miles distant, offered the free use of their 
harbor and wharves, to the merchants of Boston. Soon after the passage of 
the Boston Port Bill, another act which levelled a blow 'at the charter of Mas- 
sachusetts, was made a law [March 28, 1774]. It was equivalent to a total 
subversion of the charter, inasmuch as it deprived the people of many of the 
dearest privileges guarantied by that instrument.' A third retaliatory act was 
passed on the 21st of April, providing for the trial, in England, of all persons 
charged in the colonies with murders committed in support of government, 
giving, as colonel Barre said, "encouragement to military insolence already so 
insupportable." A fourth bill, providing for the quartering of troops in Amer- 
ica, was also passed by large majorities in both Houses of Parliament ; and iu 
anticipation of rebellion in America, a fifth act was jjassed, making great conces- 
sions to the Roman Catholics in Canada, known as the Quebec Act. This ex- 
cited the animosity of all Protestants. These measures created universal in- 
dignation toward the government, and sympathy for the people of Boston. 

32. The Port Bill went into operation on the first of June, 1774. It was a 
heavy blow for Boston. Business was crushed, and great suffering ensued. 
Everywhere, tokens of the liveliest sympathy were manifested. Flour, rice, 
cereal grains, fuel and money were sent to the people from the different colonies, 
and sympathizers in London, subscribed one hundred and fifty thousand dollars 
for the poor of Boston. 

33. To enforce these oppressive laws, general Gage, the commander-in-chief 
of the British army in America,^ was appointed governor of ^Massachusetts, and 
an additional military force was ordered to Boston. These coercive demonstra- 
tions greatly increased the. public irritation, and diminished the hopes of recon- 
ciliation. Slavish submission or armed resistance, was now the alternative pre- 
sented to the American i^eople. Committees of correspondence which had been 



1. It empowered sheriffs jippointe'l by (he crown, to selert juries instead of leaving that power with 
the Bclectmeu of the lowus who were chosen by the people. It also prohibited all town meetings and 
other gatherings. Itpiovidecl lor the appoiatmeiit of the council, judges, justices of the peace, &c., by 
the crown, or its representative. 

2. Verse 21, p. 166. r 



QueMions. — 31. How was the destruction of the tea in Boston harbor regarded? What did the people 
oAlt to do? What parliamentary measures did it occasion? 32. What was the elVect of the Bosiou 
Tort Hill? What sympathy was manifested? .3.3. What was done to enslave the people? What power- 
ful revolutionary measure was now in operation? What was the public feeling? 




PRELIMINARY EVENTS. 171 

formed in every colony in 1773,' had been busy in the interchange of sentiments 
and opinions, and throughout the entire community of Anglo-Americans there 
was evidenth' a general consonance of feeling, favorable to united efforts in op- 
posing the augmenting tyranny of Great Britain. Yet they hesitated, and re- 
solved to deliberate in solemn council before they 
should appeal to " the last argument of kings."'- 

34. The patriots of Massachusetts stood not 
alone in their integrity. In all the colonies the 
Whigs^ were as inflexible and bold, and as val- 
iantly defied the power of royal governors, when 
unduly exercised. But those of Massachusetts, 
being the special objects of royal vengeance,-* suf- s.nake device. 
fered more and required more boldness to act 

among bristling bayonets and shotted cannons, prepared expressly for their bo- 
soms. Yet they grew stronger every day under persecution, and bolder as the 
frowns of British power became darker. Even while troops to overawe them 
were parading the streets of Boston, sturdy representatives of the people assem- 
bled at Salem, -^ and sent forth an invitation to all the colonies to appoint dele- 
gates to meet in a general Congress at Philadelphia on the 5th of Se})tember 
following [1774]. It met with a hearty response from twelve of the thirteen 
colonies, and the Press seconded the measures with great emphasis. Some 
newspapers bore a significant device. It was a snake, cut into thirteen parts, 
each part bearing the initials of a colony upon it, as seen in the engraving. 
Under these were the significant words, Unite or die. 

35. Before the close of August, the delegates were appointed, and the First 
Continental Congress'^ assembled in Carpenter's Hall, Philadelphia [Sept. 5, 
1 7 74]. on the appointed day. All but Georgia were represented. Pej^ton Randolph 
of Virginia, was appointed President, and Charles Thomson of Pennsylvania, 
Secretary.^ The regular business of the Congress commenced on the morning 
of the 7th, after an impressive prayer for Divine guidance, uttered by the Rev. 
Jacob Duchc,"' of Philadelphia. They remained in session until the 26th of Oc- 
tober, during which time they matured measures for future action, which met 

1. At a consultation of leading members of the Virginia house of Assembly in March, 1773, helfl in the 
old Raleigh tavern at Williamsburg, at which Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefterson, Richard Ileuiy 
Lee, and others were present, it was agreed to submit a resolution in the house the follow^ing d;:y, ap- 
pniniing a committee of vigilance and correspondence, and recommending the same to the other colonies. 
The measure was carried, and these committees formed one of the most powerful engines in carrying on 
the work of the Revolution. Similar committees had already been formed in several towns in Massa- 
chusetts. 

2. These words, in Latin, were often placed upon cannons. There are several old French cannons, 
made nf brass, in the State armory at Richmond, Virginia, on two of which these words appear. 

3. The terms Whig and ToiiV, had long been used in England as titles of political parties. The for- 
mer denoted the opposers of loyalty ; the latter indicated its supporters. These terms were introducrd 
into America two or three years before the revolution broke out, and became the distinct titles of the 
'patriots and loyalists. 

4. Verse 31, p. 170. 

5. At that meeting of the General Assembly of Mas.sarhusetts, the patriots matured a plan for a general 
Congress, provided for munitions of war to resist British power in their own province, and formed a 
general non-importation league for the whole country. In the midst of their proceedings, general Gfige 
sent his secretary to dissolve them, but the doors of the Assembly chamber were locked, and the key 
was in Samuel Adams' pocket. Having finished their business, the Assembly adjourned, and thus end- 
ed the last session of that body, under a royal governor. 

0. This name was given to distinguish it from the two colonial Congresses [pages 140 and 162] already 
held ; one at Albany in 1754, the other at New York in 1765. 

7. Thomson was secietary of Congress perpetually from 1774, until the adoption of the Federal Con- 
stitution, and the organization of the new government, in 1789. He was born in Ireland iu 1730, came 
to America when eleven years of age, and died in 1824, at the age of ninety-four years. 

8. Duche was a miuister of the Church of England, and became a Tory. 



. — 34. What spirit was visible in all the colonies ? What did the Massachusetts people do and 
lat did the Assembly of that province propose ? 35. Can vou relate the circumstances of the 

«f ^Krt ««,-♦ /~* — >_• '^-,1 /-» ^ — o IXTV.™. — .«., A — ^ A ;„-! .1.-, :..-, * tT'l,™* ..-,;_: a:a 



Qitefiiions. . 

assembling of the first Continental Congress? What was done during the session? What opinions did 
Pitt express concerning its members? 



172 



THE REVOLUTION. 




CARPENTERS HALL. 



with the general approbation of the American 
people.^ They prepared and put forth several 
State papers,- marked by such signal abilit}- and 
wisdom, as to draw from the earl of Chatham 
these words in the House of Lords : ''I must 
declare and avow that in all ni}^ reading and 
study of history, — (and it has been my favorite 
study — I have read Thueydides, and have studied 
and admired the 
master States of 
the world) — that 
for solidity of rea- 
soning, force of sa- 
gacity, and wisdom 
of conclusion, un- 
circumstances, no 
stand in preference 



der such a complication of 
nation or body of men can 
to the general Congress at Philadelphia."-^ 

36. In all its proceedings Congress manifested 
decorum, firmness,^ moderation and loyalty ; and 
when the delegates resolved to adjourn to meet 
again at the same place on the 10th of May 
following [1775]. unless the desired redress of 
grievances should be obtained, they did so with cuakles thomsox. 

an earnest hope that a reconciliation might speed- 
ily take place, and render another national council unnecessary. But they 
were doomed to bitter disappointment. Great Britain was blind and stubborn 
still. 




SECTION II. 

FIRST YEAR OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. [1775.] 

1. During the Summer of 1774, the people commenced arming themselves. 
They practised daily in military exercises ; the manufacture of arms and gun- 
powder was encouraged ; and throughout Massachusetts in particular, the 



1. They prepared a plan for a peneral commercial non -intercourse with Great Britain and her West In- 
dies possessions, which was called The American Association^ and was recommended for adoption thronph- 
out the country. It consisted of fourteen articles. In addition to the non-intercourse pio visions, it 
was recommended to abandon the slave trade, to improve the breed of sheep, to abstain from all extrav- 
agance in livinji and indulgence in horse-racing, itc, and the appointment of a committee in every town 
to promote conformity to the reciuirements of \.)\e Association. It was signed by the 52 members present. 

2. A Hill of Rights ; An address to the people of Great Britain, written by John Jay ; another to the 
several Anglo-American colonies, written by William Livingston ; another to the inhabitants of Quebec, 
and a petition to the king. In these, the grievances and the rights of the colonies were ably set forth. 

3. He also said in a letter to Stephen Sayre, on the 24th of December, 1774 : " I have not words to 
express my satisfaction that the Congress has conducted this most arduous and delicate business, with 
such manlv wisdom and calm resolution, as do the highest honor to their deliberation." 

4. On the 8th of October, they unanimously Resolved, That this Congress approve the opposition of 
the inhabitants of the Massachusetts Bay, to" the execution of the late acts of Farliament 1 verseSl, p. 
17(»|, and if the same shall be attempted to be carried into execution by force, in such case all America 
ought to support them in their opposition." This resolution, in letter and spirit, was the embodiment 
of the Revolutionary sentiment. 

Questions. — ?,(,. What was the character and conduct of the first Continental Comjress ? What was 
hoped for? 1. What did the people do in 1774? Who were minute-men? What alarmed general 
Gage? What did he do? 



II 



FIRST YEAR OF THE WAR OF INDEPENDENCE. 173 

people were enrolled in companies, and prepared to take arms at a moment's 
warning. From this circumstance, they were called minute-men. At the same 
time, the Massachusetts leaders were laboring, with intense zeal, to place the 
province in a condition to rise in open and united rebellion, when necessity 
should demand. And all over the land, the provincial assemblies, public speak- 
ers and the press, were boldly proclaiming the right of resistance. These de- 
monstrations alarmed general Gage,' and he commenced fortifying Boston 
Neck.2 He also seized and conveyed to the city large quantities of ammunition 
found in the neighboring villages, and employed stringent measures for prevent- 
ing intercourse between the patriots in the city and in the country. The exas- 
perated people were anxious to attack the soldiers in Boston, but they were re- 
strained by prudent counsellors.^ 

2. On the 3d of September, a rumor went abroad that British ships were can- 
nonading Boston. Within two days, full thirty thousand miyiute-men were 
under arms, and hastening toward that city. They were met by a contradiction 
of the rumor ; but the event conveyed such a portentous lesson to Gage, that he 
puslied forward his military preparations with as much vigor as the opposition 
of the people would allow.^ He thought it expedient to be more conciliatory ; 
and he summoned the colonial Assembly to meet at Salem on the 5th of 
October. Then dreading their presence, he revoked the order. Ninety dele- 
gates met, however, and organized by the appointment of John Hancock^ pres- 
ident. They then went to Cambridge, where they formed a Provincial Con- 
gress, independent of royal authority (the first in America), and labored ear- 
nestly in preparations for that armed resistance which now appeared inevitable. 
They made provisions for an army of twelve thousand men ; solicited other New 
England colonies to augment it to twenty thousand ; and appointed Jedediah 
Preble and Artemas Ward,^ men of experience in the French and Indian war,'^ 
generals of all the troops that might be raised. 

3. Such was the condition of affairs in America, when Parliament assembled 
in 1775. That body presented a scene of great excitement. Dr. Franklin and 
others,'^ then in England, had given a wide circulation to the Addresses put forth 
by the Continenal Congress ;3 and the English mind was already favorably influ- 
enced in favor of the Americans. Pitt came on crutches'" from his retirement, to 
cast the weight of his mighty influence into the scale of justice, by action in the 
House of Lords. He proposed conciliatory measures [Jan. 7, 1775]. They 
were rejected, as well as others by Burke, Conway, and Hartly ; and in their 

1. Verse 33, p. 170. Thomas Gape was a native of England ; was governor of Montreal [verse 47, p. 
155] in 1760, and commander-in-chief in 1763. He was governor of Massachusetts in 1774 ; left America 
iu 1775 ; and died in 1787. 

2. The peninsula of Boston was originally connected with the main land by a narrow isthmus called the 
Neck. It has been greatly widened by filling in the marginal morasses ; and over it now passes the fine 
avenue which connects the city with Roxbury, on the main. 

3. Many hundreds of armed men assembled at Cambridge. At Ohai-lestown, the people took possession 
of the arsenal, after Gage had carried otf the powder. At Portsmouth, N.H., they captured the fort, and 
carried off the ammunition. At Newport, R. I., the people seized the powder, and took possession of 
forty pieces of cannon at the entrance of the harbor. In New York, Philadelphia, Annapolis, Williams- 
burg, Charleston and Savannah, the people took active defensive measures, and the whole country was 
in a blaze of indignation. 

4. Carpenters refused to work on the fortifications ; and much of the material was destroyed by fire, at 
night, in spite of the vigilance of the guards. Gage sent to New York for timber and workmen. The 
people there would not permit either to leave their port. 

5. Verse 20, p. 165. 6. Verse 8, p. 175. 7. Sec. XII, p. 137. 

8. Dr. Franklin had been the agent in England, for several of the colonies, for about ten years. 

9. Note 2, p. 172. 

10. Pitt was greatly a£Qicted with the gout. Sometimes he was confined to his house for weeks by it ; 
and he was sometimes seen on the floor of Parliament leaning upon crutches, and his legs swathed in 
flannels. 



Qittstionn. — 2. What rumor went abroad? What were the effects? Wliat did the Massachusetts As- 
sembly do? 3. What occurred in England L What did Pitt attempt ? What did Parliament do? How 
\rere the Americans affected ? 



174 THE EE VOLUTION. 

stead, Parliament struck another severe blow at the industry of New England 
[March], by prohibiting fishing on the banks of Newfoundland.' The Ministers 
also endeavored to promote dissensions in America, by crippling the trade of the 
southern and middle colonies, but exempting New York, Delaware, and North 
Carolina. The bait for these colonies was indignantly spurned. The scheme of 
disunion signally failed. Common dangers and common interests drew the 
hgaments of fraternity closer than ever. When the trees budded, and the 
flowers bloomed in the Spring of 1775, all hope of reconciliation had vanished. 
The people of the colonies, though weak in military resources, were strong in 
purpose ; and, relying upon the justice of their cause, and the assistance of the 
Lord God Omnipotent, they resolved to defy the fleets and armies of Great 
Britain. 

■1. There were three thousand British troops in Boston, on the 1st of April, 
1775. Confident in his strength. Gage felt certain that he could repress insur- 
rections, and keep the people quiet. Yet he felt uneasy concerning the gather- 
ing of ammunition and stores,'- by the patriots, at Concord, sixteen miles from 
Boston. Toward midnight, on the 18th [April], he secretly despatched eight 
hundred men, under lieutenant-colonel Smith and major Pitcairn, to destroy 
them. All his precautions were vain. The vigilant Dr. Warren,3 who was 
secretly watching all the movements of Gage, became aware of the expedition 
early in the evening ; and when it moved, Paul Revere^ had landed at Charles- 
town, and was on his way to Concord to arouse the inhabitants and the minute- 
men.^ Soon afterward, church-bells, muskets and cannons spread the alarm 
over the country; and when, at dawn [April 19, 1775], Pitcairn, with the ad- 
vanced guard, reached Lexington, a few miles from Concord, he found seventy 
determined minute-men drawn up to oppose him. Pitcairn rode forward, and 
shouted, '"Disperse! disperse, you rebels I Down with your arms, and dis- 
perse! " They refused obcdicr.cc, and he ordered his men to fire. That dread- 
ful order was obeyed, and the first blood of the Revolution flowed upon the 
tender grass on the Green at Lexington. Eight citizens were killed, and several 
were wounded. The last survivor of that noble band" died in March, 1854, at 
the age of almost ninety-six years. 

5. The British now pressed forward to Concord, and destroyed the stores. 
They were terribly annoyed by the minute-men" on their way, who fired upon 
them from behind walls, trees and buildings. Having accomplished their pur- 
pose, and killed several more patriots in a skirmish there, the royal tioops 
hastilyretreated to Lexington. The country was now thoroughly aroused, and 
minute-men were gathering by scores. Nothing but the timel}- arrival of Lord 
Percy with reinforcements, saved the eight hundred from total destruction. The 
Avhole body now retreated. All the way back to Bunker's Hill,« in Charles- 

1. At that time there were employed by the Americans, in the British Newfoundland fisheries, about 
400 ships, 2,000 fishinp shallops, and iO.tK men. On accoimt of this blow to the tishing tiade, a gieat 
many inhabitants of Nantucket and vicinity, chiefly Quakers, went to North Carolina, and in Orange 
and Guilford counties, became planters. Their descendants are yet numerous theie. 

2. Early in the year, secret orders had been sent by the Ministry to the royal governors, to remove all 
ammunition and stores out of the reach of the people,"if they made any hostile demostrations. 

3. Afterward killed in the battle oi: Breed's Hill. Verse 11, p. 177. 

4. Revere was one of the most active of the Sons of Liberty [verse 11, p. 162] in Boston. Like Isaac 
Seirs, of New Yorl^, his eminent services in the cause of freedom have been overlooked. Their fame is 
eclipsed by men of greater minds, but of no sturdier patriotism. 

5. Verse 1, p. 172. 

»i, Jonathan Harrington, who played the fife for the minute-vim, on the morning of the battle. The 
writer visited him in 1848, when he' was ninety years of age. He then had a perfect recollection of the 
events of that morning. 

7. Verse 1, p. 172. 8. Verse 9, p. 176. 

Qnestiom. — i. What was the condition of the British in Boston? What did Gage attempt to do? r.rd 
why? How were the people aroused ? What occurred at Lexington? 5. What occurred at Concord? 
What befel the British troops? 



FIRST YEAR OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. 175 

town, the troops wore terribly assailed by the patriots; and when, the follow- 
ing; moi-ning, they crossed over to Boston, they ascertained their loss to be, in 
killed and wounded, two hundred and seventy-three. The loss of the Americans 
in killed, v/ounded and missing;, was one hundred and three. ^ 

6. Intelligence of this tragedy spread over the country like a blaze of light- 
ning from a midnight cloud, and like the attendant thunder-peal, it aroused all 
hearts. From the hills and valleys of New England, the patriots went forth by 
hundreds, armed and unarmed ; and before the close of the month [April 1175], 
an army of twenty thousand men were forming camps and piling fortifications 
around Boston, from Roxbury to the river Mystic, determined to confine the 
fierce tiger of war, which had tasted their blood, upon that little peninsula. 
The provincial Congress,^ sitting at Watertown, with Dr. Warren at its head, 
worked day and night in consonance with the gathering army. They ap- 
pointed military officers, organized a commissariat for supplies, issued bills of 
credit for the payment of troops, for which the province was pledged, 3 and de- 
clared [May 5] general Gage to be an "inveterate enemy" of the people. 

7. And as the intelligence went from colony to colony, the people there 
were equally aroused. Arms and ammunition were seized by the Sons of 
Liherhj, provincial Congresses were formed, and before the close of Summer, 
the power of every royal governor, from Massachusetts to Georgia, was utterly 
destroyed. Everywhere the people armed in defence of their liberties, and 
took vigorous measures for future security. Some aggressive enterprises were 
undertaken by volunteers. The most important of these was the seizure of the 
strong fortresses of Ticonderoga* and Crown Point,5 by Connecticut and Ver- 
mont militia, under the command of colonels Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold. 
Ticonderoga and its garrison were taken possession of at dawn, on the 10th of 
May 1775; and two days afterward, colonel Seth Warner, of the expedition, 
with a ^ew men, captured Crown Point. The spoils of victory taken at these 
two posts, consisting of almost one hundred and fifty pieces of cannon, and a 
larore quantity of ammunition and stores, were of vast consequence to the 
Americans. A few months later [Mar. 1776], some of these cannons were 
hurling death-shots into the midst of the British troops in Boston.^ 

8. On the 19th of May [1775], the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts 
clothed the Committee of Safety, sitting at Cambridge, with full powers to regu- 
late the operations of the army. Artemas Ward was appointed commander-in- 
chief, Richard Gridley,^ chief engineer, and Putnam. Stark, and other veterans, 
who had served bravely in the French and Indian War,^ were appointed to im- 
portant commands. The military genius then developed, was now brought into 
requisition. Day by day the position of the British army became more perilous. 
Fortunately for its safety, large reinforcements, under three experienced com- 
manders, generals Howe. Clinton, and Burgoyne, arrived at this juncture [May 
25]. The whole British force in Boston now amounted to about twelve thou- 
sand men, besides several well-manned vessels of war, under Admiral Graves; 
and Gage resolved to attack the Americans and penetrate the country. 

1. Appropriate monuments have been erected to the memory of the plain, at Lexington and Concord, 
and Acton. Davis, the commander of the militia at Concord, was from Acton, and t^o were most of his 
men. 

2. Verse 2, p. 173. 

3. The amount issued was three hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars. 

4. Verse .32, p. 149. 5. Verse 38, p. 152. " 6. Verse 4, p. 184. 7 Note 4, p. 102. 
8. Chapter IV., Sec. XII., p. 137. 



Questions. — fi. What were the effects of the skirmishes at Lexington and Concord ? What did New 
FiiRland people do? 7- What effects were seen throughout the colonies? What expeditions were under- 
taken ? What were the results ? 8. What hostile preparations were made in Massachusetts ? What was 
the condition of the liritish atmy in Boston i 



176 



THE REVOLUTION. 



h 



9. On the lOtli of June, Gage issued a proclamation declaring all Americans 
in arms to be rebels and traitors, and ofl'ering a free pardon to all who should 
return to their allegiance, except those arch-oftenders, John Hancock,' and 
Samuel Adams.- These he intended to seize and send to England to be hanged. 
The vigilant patriots, aware of Gage's hostile intentions, strengthened their in- 
trenchments on Boston Neck,^ and on the evening of the 16th of June, general 
Ward sent colonel Prescott' with a detachment of one thousand men, to take 
possession of, and fortify Bunker's Hill, in Charlestown, which commanded an 
important part of Boston, and the surrounding water. By mistake they ascended 
Breed's Hill, within cannon shot of the city, and laboring with pick and spade 
all that night, they had cast up a strong redoubt' of earth, on the summit of 
that eminence, before the British were aware of their presence. Gage and his 
!)fficers were greatly astonished at the apparition of this military work, at the 
dawn of the 17th. j, 

10. The British generals perceived the necessity for 
driving the Americans from this commanding position, 
before they should plant a heavy battery^ there, for in 
that event, Boston must be evacuated before sunrise 
[June. IT, 1775]. A heavy cannonade was opened upon 
the redoubt, from a battery on Copp's Hill, in Boston,^ 
and from shipping in the harbor, but with 
very little effect. Hour after hour the pa- 
triots toiled on in the completion of their 
work, and 



at noon- 
day, their 
toil was 
finished, 
and they 
laid aside 
their im- 
plements 
of labor, 
for knap- 
sacks and 
muskets. 
Gene ral 
Howe, 
with gen- 
oral Pigot, 
and three 
thousand 
men, crossed the 



Mk 



%€^ 




BUNKER S HILL BATTLE. 



MONUMENT. 



Charles river at the same time, to Morton's Point, at the 



1. Verse 2, p. 173. 2. Note 1, p. 167, 3. Note 2. p. 173. 

4. William Prescott was born at Groton, Massachusetts, in 1726. He was at Louisburg [verse 48, p. 102] 
in 1745. After the battle of Bunker's Hill, he served under Gates, until the surrender of Burgoyne, 
when he left the army. He died in 1795. 

5. A redoubt is a small fortification, generally composed of earth, and having very few features of a 
regular fort, except its arrangement for the use of cannons and muskets. They are often temporary 
structures, cast up in the progrt^s of a siege, or a protracted battle. The diagram A, on the map, shows 
the form of the redoubt ; a is the entrance. 

6. Note 5, p. 102. 

7. That portion of Copp's Hill, where the British battery was constructed, is a burial ground, in 
which lie many of the earlier residents of that city. Among them, the Mather family, distinguished in 
the early history of the Commonwealth. 



Questions. — 9. What did general Gage now do ? What defensive measures did the .\mericans take? 
10. How did the redoubt on Breed's Hill affect the British ? What did they do? What movements were 
made by the British troops? 



FIRST YEAR OF THE WAR FOR INDEPEKDENCE. 177 

foot of the eastern, slope of Breed's Hill, formed his troops into two columns, 
and marched slowly to attack the redoubt. Although the British commenced 
firing cannons soon after they began to ascend the hill, and the great guns of 
the ships, and the battery on Copp's Hill, poured an incessant storm upon the 
redoubt, the Americans kept perfect silence until they had approached within 
close musket shot. Hardly an American could be seen by the slowly approach- 
ing enemy, yet behind those rude mounds of earth, lay fifteen hundred deter- 
mined men,' ready to pour deadly vollies of musket balls upon the foe, when their 
commanders should order them. 

11. When the British column was within ten rods of the redoubt, Pres- 
cott shouted Fire ! and instantly whole platoons of the assailants were prostrat- 
ed by well-aimed bullets.2 The survivors fell back in great confusion, but were 
soon rallied for a second attack. They were again repulsed, with heavy loss, 
and while scattering in all directions, general Clinton arrived with reinforce- 
ments. Rallying the fugitives, Clinton with his fresh troops rushed up to the 
redoubt in the face of a galling fire. For ten minutes the battle raged fearfully, 
and at the same time, Charlestown, at the foot of the eminence, being fired by a 
carcass^ from Copp's Hill,^ sent up dense columns of smoke, which completely 
enveloped the belhgerents. The firing in the redoubt grew weaker, for the am- 
munition of the Americans became exhausted. It ceased, and then the British 
scaled the bank and compelled the Americans to retreat, while they fought 
fiercely with clubbed muskets.-' They fled across Charlestown Neck,^ gallantly 
covered by Putnam and a few brave men, and under that commander, took po- 
sition on Prospect Hill, and fortified it. The British took possession of Bunker's 
Hill," and erected a fortification there. There was absolutely no victory in the 
case. Completely exhausted, both parties sought rest, and hostilities ceased for 
a time. The Americans had lost, in killed, wounded, and prisoners, about four 
hundred and fifty men. The loss of the British from like causes, was almost 
eleven hundred.'^ This was the first real lattle^ of the Revolution, and lasted 
almost two hours. 

12. That beautiful day in June, bright and cloudless, was a terrible one for 
Boston and its vicinity. All the morning, and during the fierce conflict, roofs, 
steeples, and every high place, in and around the city, were filled with anxious 
spectators. Almost every family had a representative among the combatants ; 
and in an agony of suspense, mothers, wives, sisters and daughters, gazed upon 
the scene. Many a loved one perished ; and there the country lost one of its most 
promising children, and freedom a devoted champion. Dr. Warren, who had 

1. During the forenoon, general Putnam had been busy in forwarding reinforcements for Prescott, 
and when the battle began, about five hundred had been added to the detachment. _ , . ^ 

2. Prescott ordered his men to aim at the waistbands of the British, and to pick off their othcers, 
whose fine clothes would distinguish them. ,....,• i» 

3. A carcass is a hollow case, formed of ribs of iron covered with cloth or metal, with holes in it. 
Being filled with combustibles and set on fire, it is thrown from a mortar like a bomb shell upon the lof Js 
of buildings, and ignites them. A bomb shell is a hollow ball with an orifice, filled with powder which 
is ignited by a slow match when fired, explodes, and its fragments produce terrible destruction. 

4. See map on page 176. , , , , j i v 

5. Most of the American muskets were destitute of bayonets, and Ihey used the large end as duos. 

6. Charlestown, like Boston, is on a peninsula, almost surrounded by waler and a marsh, ihe isecK 
was a narrow causeway connecting it with the main. Charlestown was a flourishing rival ot Boston, at 
the time of the battle. It was then completely destroyed. Six hundred buildings perished m the 
flames. Burgoyne, speaking of the battle and conflagration, said, it was the most awful and subliire 
sight he had ever witnessed. , . i, u v v„ _ 

7. As the battle took place on Breed's, and not on BxmTier's Hill, the forrner name shoiild have been 
given to it. but the name of Bunler's Hill is too sacred in the records of patriotism to be changed. 

8. The Provincial Congress estimated the loss at about 1,500 ; general Gage reported 1,054. Ol the 
Americans, only 115 were killed ; the remainder were wounded or made pi isonevs. 

9. A battle is a conflict carried on by large bodies of troops, according to the rules of military tactics , 
askirmish is a sudden and irregular fight betwctn a few troops. 

Questions.-U. Can vou relate the chief incidents of the battle of Bunker's Hill ? How were the two 
armies affected ? 12. Who were spectators of the battle ? What calamity befell the Americans ? 

8* 



178 



THE REVOLUTION. 




;Ei'ii WARiJi 



just been appointed raajor-p^eneral, had crossed Charlestown, Neck in the midst 
of flying balls from the British shipping, and reached the redoubt on Breed's 

Hill, at the moment when the enemy scaled its 
banks. He was killed by a musket ball, while 
retreating. Buried where he fell, near the redoubt, 
the tall Bunker Hill monument of to-day, standing 
in that spot, commemorates his death as well as 
the patriotism of his countrymen. ^ 

13. While these events were occurring in New 
England, the Revolution was making rapid pro- 
gress elsewhere. Even before the tragedy at Lex- 
ington and Concord, Patrick Henry •^ had again 
aroused his countrymen by his eloquence, and in 
the Virginia Assembly at Richmond [March 23, 
1775], concluded a masterly speech with that noted 
sentiment which became the war-cry of the pa- 
triots, — " Give me Liberty, or give me death !" 
When, twenty six-days later [April 20], governor 
Dunmore, by ministerial command,^ seized and 
conveyed on board a British vessel of war, a quantity of gunpowder belonging 
to the colony, that same inflexible patriot went at the head of armed citizens, 
and demanded and received from the royal representative, full restitution. And 
before the battle of Bunker's Hill,^ the exasperated people had driven Dun- 
more' from his palace at Williamsburg [.June], and he was a refugee, shorn of 
political power, on board a British man of war in the York river. 

14. In the meanwhile, a still bolder step had been taken in the interior of 
North Carolina. A convention of delegates chosen by the people, assembled at 
Charlotte, in Mecklenberg county [May, 1775], and by a series of resolutions 
virtually declared their constituents absolved from all allegiance to the British 
crown,'' organized local government, and made provisions for military defense. 
In South Carolina and Georgia, also, arms and ammunition had been seized by 
the people, and all royal authority Avas repudiated. 

15. In the midst of these excitements, and on the day [May 10] when Allen 
and Arnold took Ticonderoga,^ the Second Continental Congress convened at 
Philadelphia. Notwithstanding New England was in a blaze of war, royal au- 
thority had virtually ceased in all the colonies and the conflict for independence 
had actually begun,"^ that august body held out to CJreat Britain a loyal, open 
hand of reconciliation. ^ At the same time they said firmly, ''We have counted 
the cost of this contest, and find nothing so dreadful as voluntary slavery." 
They did not foolishly lose present advantages in waiting for a reply, but pressed 



1. Joseph Warren was born in Roxbury, in 1740. He was at the head of his profession as a physi- 
cian, when the events of the approaching revohition brousht him into public life. He was thirty-five 
years of age when he died. His remains rest in St. Paul's church, in Boston. 

2. Born in Hanover county, Virginia, in 1736. He appeared suddenU' in public life when almost 
thirty years of age. He was an active public man during the whole of the Revolution, was governor 
of Virginia, and died in 1799. See correct portrait in the picture at the head of this chapter. 

3. Note 2, p. 174. 4. Page 177- 

6._ Dunmore was strongly suspected of a desire to have the hostile Indians west of the Alleghanies, 
annihilate the Virginia troops sent against them in the summer of 1774. They suffered terrible loss in a 
battle at Point Pleasant on the Ohio, in Octobei' of that j-ear, in consequence of the failure of promised 
aid from Dunmore. They subdued the Indians however. 

6. This declaration of independence was made about thirteen months previous to the general Declara- 
tion made by the Continental Co..gress, and is one of the glories of the people of North Carolina. 

7. Verse 7, p. 175- 8. Verse 5, p. 174. 

9. In July, Congress sent a most loyal petition to the King, and conciliatory addresses to the people of 
Great Britain. 



Questions. — 13. What revolutionary movements occurred in Virginia? 14. What revolutionary move- 
ment occurred in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia? 15. What occuiied at Philadelphia? 
What was the condition of the country ? What did the Continental Congress do ? 



FIRST YEAR OF THE WAR FOR INDERENDEISCE. 170 

.forward in the work of public security. Having resolved on arinod resistance, 
the}'- voted to raise an armj^ of twenty thousand men ; and two days before the 
battle of Bunker's Hill' [June 15, 1775], they elected George Washington 
commander-in-chief of all the forces raised, or to be raised, for the defense of the 
colonies.- They adopted the incongruous mass of undisciplined troops at Bos- 
ton,-^ as a CONTiXEXTAL Army, and appointed general officers^ to assist Wash- 
ington in its organization and future operations, 

16. Washington took command of the army at Cambridge, on the 3d of July, 
and with the efficient aid of general Gates, who was doubtless the best disci- 
plin^,d soldier then in the field, order was soon brought out of great confusion, 
and the Americans were prepared to commence a regular siege of the British 
army in Boston.' To the capture or expulsion of those troops, the efforts of 
Washington were mainly directed during the summer and autumn of 1775. 
His army, fourteen thousand strong, extended from Roxbury on the right, to 
Prospect Hill two miles north-west of Breed's Hill, on the left. The right was 
commanded by general Ward, the left by general Lee. The centre, at Cam- 
bridge, was under the immediate control of the commander-in-chief 

17. The Canadians had been cordially invited to join their Anglo-American^ 
neighbors,' in etforts to obtain redress of grievances, but having very little sym- 
pathy in language, religion or social condition with them, they refused, and were 
necessarily considered positive supporters of the royal cause. The capture of 
the two fortresses on Lake Champlain^ [^Liy, 1775], having opened the way to 
the St. Lawrence, a well-devised plan to take possession of that province and 
prevent its becoming a place of rendezvous and supply of invading armies from 
Great Britain, was matured by Congress and the commander-in-chiefs To ac- 
complish this, a body of New York and New England troops were placed under 
the command of generals Schuyler'" and Montgomery," and ordered to proceed 
by way of Lake Champlain to ^lontreal and Quebec. 

1. Verse 11, p. 177- 

2. Washington was a delegate in Congress from Virginia, and his appointment was wholly unexpected to 
him. When the time came to choose a commander-in-chief, John Adams arose, and after a brief speech, 
in whieli he delineated the qualities of the man whom he thought best fitted for the important service, 
he nominated Washington. That patriot was gazing intently in the face of Mr. Adams, at the moment, 
and when his name fell from the lips of the speaker, he rushed into an adjoining room, utterly abashed. 
Congress immediately adjourned, and the next daj' Washington was elected commander-in-chief. At 
the same time Congress resolved that they would " maintain and assist him, and adheie to him, with 
their lives and fortunes, in the cause of American liberty.'' When President Hancock announced to 
Washingion his appointment, modestly and with great dignity, he signified his acceptance in the follow- 
ing terms: '"Mr. PresiJent, — Though I am truly sensible of the high honor done me, in this appoint- 
ment, yet I feel great distress, from a consciousness that my abilities «nd military experience may not 
be ef|ual to the extensive and important trust. However, as the Congress desire it, I will enter upon the 
momentous duly, and exert every power I possess in their service, and for the support of the glorious 
cause. I beg tliey will accept my most cordial thanks for this distinguished testimony of their appro- 
bation. But lest some unlucky event should happen, unfavorable to my reputation, I beg it may be re- 
membered by every gentleman in this loom. ihat I, this day, declare wiih the utmost sincerity, I do not 
think myself equal to the command I am honored with. As to pay sir, I beg leave to assure the Con- 
gress that, as no pecuniary consideiation could have tempted me to accept the arduous employment, at 
the expense of my domestic ease and happiness, I do not wish to make any profit from it. I will 
keep an exact account of my expenses. Those, I doubt not, they will discharge, and that is all I desire." 

3. Verse 6, p. 175. 

4. Artemas Ward, Charles T^ee, Philip Schuyler and Israel Putnam, major-yenfrals ; Horatio Gates, 
adjiitant.yeneral ; and Seih Pnmeroy, Richard Montgomery, David Wooster, William Heath, .Joseph 
Spencer, John Thomas, John Sullivan, and Nathaniel Green (all New England men), brigadier generals. 

5. Verse 4, p. 174. 6. Note 1, p. 148. 

7. The Congress of 1774, made an appeal To the inhahitantx of Quehec, in which was clearly set forth 
the g:ievances of the colonists, and an invitation to fraternize with those already in union. 

8. Verse 7, p. 175. 

9. A committee of Congress went to Cambridge in August, and there the plan of the campaign 
against Canada was arranged. 

1(1. Philip Schuyler was born in Albany, New York, in 1733. He was a captain nnder Sir William 
.Toh-ison [verse 17, p. 143], in 1775, and was in active public service, in civil allairs, until the revolution. 
He- was a legislator afier the war, and died in 1804. See portrait on page IR). 

11. Richard Montgomery was born in Ireland, in 1737. He was with Wolfe at Quebec [verse 40, p. 153], 



QueMions.—\&. What did Washington first do? What was his chief desire? Wliat hostile preparations 
we- e made? 17. What of the Canadians? What plans against Canada were formed? and how com- 
niv-'uced ? 



180 



THE REVOLUTION. 



/' 




GENERAL SCHUYLER. 



18. The invading army appeared before 
St. John on the Sorel, the first military 
post within the Canadian hne, at the close 
of August, 1775. Deceived in regard to 
the strength of the garrison and tlio dispo- 
sition of the Canadians and the neighbor- 
ing Indians, Schuyler fell back to Isle Aux 
Noix,' and after making preparations to for- 
tify it, hastened to Ticonderoga to urge for- 
ward more troops. Sickness compelled him 
to return to Albany, and the whole com- 
mand devolved upon Montgomery. That 
energetic officer did not remain long within 
his island entrenchments, and toward the 
close of September, he laid siege to St. 
John. The garrison maintained an obsti- 
nate resistance for more than a month, and 
Montgomery twice resolved to abandon it. 

19. During the siege, small detachments of brave men went out upon daring 
enterprises. One of eighty men, under colonel Ethan Allen, '^ pushed across the 
St. Lawrence, and attacked Montreal [Sept. 25, 1775], then garrisoned by quite 
a strong force under general Prescott.-* Allen and his party were defeated, and 
he was made prisoner and sent to England in irons. Another expedition under 
colonel Bedell, of Xew Hampshire, was more successful. They captured the 
strong fort (but feeble garrison) at Chambly [Oct. 30], a few miles north of St. 
John; and at about the same time. Sir Guy Carleton, governor of Canada, with 
a reinforcement for the garrison of St. John, was repulsed [Nov. 1] bj' a party 
under colonel "Warner, at Longueuil, nearly opposite Montreal. These events 
alarmed Preston, the commander at St. John, and he surrendered that post to 
Montgomery, on the 3d of November. 

20. The Americans now pressed forward to Montreal. Carleton had escaped 
from thence to Quebec, and the city and garrison were surrendered [Nov. 13], 
after a feeble resistance. Leaving a garrison there, and at St. John and Cham- 
bly, Montgomery, with a little more than three hundred ill-clad troops, hurried 
towards Quebec, for winter frosts were binding the waters, and blinding snow 
was mantling the whole country. 

21. While this expedition, so feeble in number and supplies, was on its way 
to achieve a great purpose, another, consisting of a thousand men, under colonel 
Benedict Arnold,^ had left Cambridge [Sept. 1775], and was making its way 
through the deep wilderness by the Kennebec and Chaudiere' rivers, to join Mont- 
gomery before the walls of Quebec. After enduring incredible toils and hard- 
ships in traversing dark forests and tangled morasses filled with snow and ice, 
and exposed to intense cold and biting hunger, they arrived at Point Levi,^ op- 



and afterwards married and settled in the State of New York. He gave promise of great military ability, 
when death ended his career. See portrait on page 182. 

1. Note 4, p. 152. 

2. Ethan Allen was born in liitchfield county, Conn. lie went to Vermont at an early age, and in 
1770 was one of the bold leaders there in the opposition of the settlers to the territorial claims of New 
York. He was never engaged in active military services after his capture. He died in Vermont in 
Febv\iarv 1789, and his remains Me in a cemetery two miles from Burlington, near the Winooska. 

3. Verse 9, p. 198. 4. Verse 7, P- 175. 
5. Pronounced Sfio-deare. 6. Verse 41, p. 153. 



Que.tdotKi. — 18. Can you relate the first movements of the royal army? 19. What small enterprises 
were undertaken? What were the results? 20. What occurred between Montreal and Quebec? 21. What 
other bold expeditions were undertaken? Cun you relate some of its incidents? What junction of 
forces took place? 



FIRST YEAR OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. \l'61 

posite Quebec, on the Otli of Novembor. Four days afterward [Nov. 13], the 
intrepid j\-rnold, with only seven hundred and fifty half naked men, not more 
than four hundred muskets, and no artillery, crossed the St. Lawrence to Wolfe's 
Cove,i ascended to the Plains of Abraham,- and boldly demanded a surrender of 
the city and garrison within the massive walls. Soon the icy winds, and intel- 
ligence of an intended sortie * from the garrison, drove Arnold from his bleak 
encampment, and he ascended the St. Lawrence to Point au Trembles, twenty 
miles above Quebec, and there awaited the arrival of Montgomery. They 
met on the 1st of December [1175], and woolen clothes which Montgomery 
had captured at Montreal, were placed on the shivering limbs of Arnold's troops. 
The united forces, about nine hundred strong, then marched to Quebec. 

22. The Americans reached Quebec on the evening of the 5th, and the next 
morning Montgomery sent a letter to Carleton, by a flag,-* demanding an immed- 
iate surrender. The flag was fired upon, and the invaders were defied. With a few 
light cannons and some mortars, and exposed to almost daily snow storms in 
the open fields, the Americans besieged the city for three weeks. Success appear- 
ing only in assault, that measure was agreed upon, and 
before dawn, on the morning of the last day of the year 
[Dec. 31, 1775], while snow was falling thickly, the attempt 
was made. Montgomery had formed his little army into 
four columns, to assail the city at different points. One of 
these, under Arnold, was to attack the lower town, and 
march along the St. Charles to join another division under 
Montgomery, who was to approach by way of Cape Dia- 
mond,' and the two were to attempt a forced passage into 
the city, through Prescott gate.s At the same time the 
other two columns, under Majors Livingston and Brown, 
were to make a feigned attack upon the upper town, from 
the Plains of Abraham.'^ 

23. Montgomery descended Wolfe's ravine,^ and marched walls of quebec. 
carefully along the ice-strewn beach, toward a palisade and 

battery at Cape Diamond. At the head of his men, in the face of the driving 
snow, he had passed the palisade unopposed, when a single discharge of a cannon 
from the battery,9 loaded with grape-shot,'" killed him instantly, and slew several 
of his officers. His followers instantly retreated. In the meanwhile, Arnold 
had been severely wounded, while attacking a barrier on the St. Charles, '^ 
and the command devolved upon Captain Morgan, '^ whose expert riflemen, 

I. Verse 43, p. 154. 2. Verse 40, p. 153. 

3. This is a French term, signiQcant of a sudden sally of troops from a besieged city or fortress, to 
attack the besiegers. See verse 6, p. 274. 

4. Messengers are sent from army to army with .a white flag, indicating a desire for a peaceful inter- 
view. These flags, by common consent, are respected, and it is considered an outrage to fire on the 
bearer of one. The Americans were regarded as rebels, and undeserving the usual courtesy. 

5. The high rocky promontory on which the citadel stands. 

6. Prescott gate is on the St. Lawrence side of the town, and there bars Mountain street in its sinuous 
way from the water up into the walled city. The above diagram shows the plan of the city walls, and 
relative positions of ihe several gates mentioned. A is the St. Charles river. B the St" Lawrence, 
a Wolfe and Montcalm's monument [note 6, p. 154], b place where Montgomery fell, c place where Ar- 
nold was wounded. 

7. Verse 40, p. 153. 8. Verse 43, p. 154. 

9. Note 5, p. 102. 

10. These are small balls confined in a cluster, and then discharged at once from a cannon. They 
scatter, and do great execution. 

II. This was at the foot of the precipice, below the T[)resent grand battery, near St. Paul's street. 

12. Afterward the famous general Morgan, whose rifle corps became so renowned, and who gained 
the victory at The Coicpens. Verse C, p. 231. 




Qiirsttons. — 22. Can you describe the preparations to besiege Quebec by the Americans? 23. Can you 
relate ihe incidents of tlic ticg^-y 



182 



THE EEVOLUTION. 




GENERAL MONTGOMEUT. 



with Lamb's artillery, forced their way into the 
lower town. After a contest of several hours, the 
Americans, under Morgan, were obliged to surren- 
der themselves j)risoners of war. 

24. With the remainder of the troops. Arnold 
retired to Siller\',i where he formed a camp, and 
passed a rigorous Canadian winter. He was re- 
lieved from chief command by general Wooster,^ 
on the 1st of April, who came down from Mon- 
treal with reinforcements. Another ineffectual at- 
tempt was then made to capture Quebec; and 
when, a month afterward, general Thomas took 
the chief command [May 1776], Carleton was re- 
ceiving strong reinforcements from England. The 
Americans were obliged to retreat so hastily be- 
fore the overwhelming forces of Carleton, that they left their stores and sick 
behind them.^ Abandoning one post after another, the patriots were driven en- 
tirely out of Canada by the middle of June. 

25. While the Americans were suffering defeats and misfortunes at the North, 
their brethren in Virginia were rolling on the car of Revolution with success. 
After Dunmore's escape [June 8, 1775] to the British man-of-war,* he collected 
a force of Tories and negroes, and commenced depreda- 
tions in lower Virginia. AVith the aid of some British 
vessels, he attacked Hampton [Oct. 24], and was repulsed. 
He then declared open war. The Virginia militia flew to 
arms,^ and in a severe battle at the Great Bridge, near the 
Dismal Swamp, twelve miles from Norfolk, Dunmore was 
defeated [Dec. 9], and compelled to seek safety with the 
British shipping in Norfolk harbor. In revenge, he 
burned Norfolk, on the 1st of January [1776].« The 
city was then in possession of the patriots, under gen- 
oral Robert Howe.' He committed other atrocities on the seaboard, but was 
linallv driven awav. and went to England. 




CULPEPPER FLAG. 



SECTION III. 

SECOXD YEAR OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. [1776.] 



1. Washington unfurled the Uaion Flag'' for the first time, over the camp 
at Cambridge, on the 1st of January, 1776. His army had dwindled to less 



1. Verse 4fi, p. 155. 2. Verse 8, p. 198. . ^ . 

3. General Thomas was seized with the small-pox, which had been rasino: some time in the American 
cimp, and died at Chambly on the 30lh of May. He was a native of Plymouth, Mass., and was one of 
the fi St eight brigadiers appointed by Congress [note 4, p. 1791- Carleton treated the prisoners and sick 
with great humanity. He was afterward Lord Dorchester. Died in 1808, aged eighty-three years. 

4. Verse 13, p. 178. . , ,, ^ , 

5. Among the various flags borne by the military companies, that of the men of Culpepper oonnty 
was the most notable. It bore the significant device of a rattle-snake, and the injunction, Don't tread 
on me ! It said to the opposer. don't tread on me, I have dangerous fangs. It also bore the words of 
Pat lick Henrv [verse 13, p. 1781. Liherty or Death! 

6. Norfolk then coiitaint-d a popniition of about 6,000. The actual loss by the conflagration was esti- 
mated at more than $1,500,000, chiefly private propeity. Many slaves were carried off. 

7. Verse 12, p. 213. , , . 

8. This was a flag composed of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white, symbolizing the thirteen re- 

Q\teMionx.—2i. Wh^it did the American army do after leaving Quebec? What was the final result of 

.-^ a^-naAitir^nl OK AT'Uot 4 r., r, iM't Q r, f ot.on<c r>nniirrorl in Virorinin ' 1 What was the condition of the 

tal money 



ths expedition? 25. What important events occurred in Virginia? 1. What was the condition of the 
comiiiental army ? What did Congress do ? What do you know of ccmtinei.t 



FIEST YEAR OF THE WAR FOR IXDEPEXDEKCE. 



183 



than ten thousand effective men, and these were scantDj 
fed and clothed, and imperfectly disciplined. Yet thej 
possessed sufficient strenp^th to continue the imprisonment 
of the British army in Boston and Charlestown.' During 
the Summer and Autumn of 1775, the continental Con- 
gress had put forth ail its energies in preparations for a 
severe struggle with British power, now evidently near at 
hand. Articles of war were agreed to [June 30] ; a declar- 
ation of the causes for taking up arms was issued [July c->-io>- FLAf.. 
G] : and before the close of the year, bills of credit, known as 
"continental money,'' representing the value of six millions of Spanish dollars, 





A BILL OF CREDIT, OR CONTINENTAL MONET. 

had been issued.2 A naval establishment had also been commenced ;3 and at 
the opening of 1776, many expert privateersraen* were hovering along our coasts, 
to the great terror and annoj^ance of British merchant vessels. 

2. In the meanwhile, Parliament had made extensive arrangements for crush- 
ing the rebellion. An act was passed [Nov., 1775]. which declared the revolted 
colonists to be rebels ; forbade all intercourse with them ; authorized the seizure 



volted colonies. In one corner was Ihe device of the British Union Flag, namely, the cross of St. 
George, conijiosed of a horizontal and perpendicular bar, and ihe cross of St. Andrew (lepiesenting 
Scotland), wliich is in the form of an X. This flag is repiesenied in ihe sketch. On the 14Ui of .Inne, 
1777, Congress ordered "thirteen stars, white, in a blue field," to be put in the place of the Kiiiish 
union device. Such is the design of our flag at the present day. A star and stripe has been added for 
every new State admitted into the Union. 

1. Verse 11, p. 177- 

2. At the beginning of 1780, Congress had issued two hundred millions of dollars in paper money. 
After the second year, these bills began to depreciate ; and in 1781), forty paper dollars were worth only 
one in specie. At the close of 1781, they were worthless. They had performed a temporary good, but 
were finally productive of great public "evil, and much individual sufferii;g. 

3. See note 5, on page 230. 

4. Private individiials, having a license from government to ai m and equip a vessel, and with it, to 
depredate upon the commerce of a nation with which that people are then at war, aie called privateers. 
During Ihe Revolution, a vast number of English vessels were captured by American piivateersmen. 
It is. after all, only legalized piiacy, and enlightened nations begin to view it so. 



n„esMnv.—2. WTiat airangements did parliament make to subdue the Americans? 
g: oat iudigna'.ion ? 



What caused 



184 THE REVOLUTION". 

and destruction or confiscation of all American vessels ; and placed the colonies 
under martial law.' An aggregate land and naval force of fifty-five thousand 
men, vt^as voted for the American service, and more than a million of dollars 
were appropriated for their pay and sustenance. In addition to these, seven- 
teen thousand troops were hired by the British government, from the Landgrave 
of Hesse Cassel and other petty German rulers,'^ to come hither to butcher loyal 
subjects who had petitioned for their rights for ten long years, and now, even 
with arms in their hands, were praying for justice and begging for reconciliation. 
This last act filled the cup of government iniquity to the brim. It was de- 
nounced in Parliament by the true friends of England, as " disgraceful to the 
British name;" and it extinguished the last hope of reconciliation. The sword 
was now drawn, and the scabbard thrown away. 

3. When intelligence of these parliamentary proceedings reached America 
[Jan., 1776], Congress perceived the necessity of immediate and efficient ef- 
forts for the defence of the extensive sea-coast of the colonies. "Washing- 
ton was urged to attack the British in Boston, immediately ; and, by great 
efforts, the army was augmented to about fourteen thousand men, toward the 
close of February. Bills of credit, representing four millions of dollars more, 
were issued ; and on the first of March, "Washington felt strong enough to at- 
tempt a dislodgement of the enemy from the crushed city.3 

4. A heavy cannonade was opened upon Boston, from all the American bat- 
teries, on the evening of the 2d of March [1776], and was continued, with brief 
intermissions, until the 4th. On the evening of that day, general Thomas,^ with 
a strong party, ^ proceeded secretly to a high hill, near Dorchester, on the south 
side of Boston ; and before morning, they cast up a line of strong entrenchments, 
and planted heavy cannons there, which completely commanded the city and 
harbor. These works greatly astonished and alarmed the British. Perceiving 
the imminent peril of both fleet and army, general Howe prepared an expe- 
dition to drive the Americans from their vantage ground on Dorchester heights. 
A storm suddenly arose, and made the harbor impassable. The delay allowed 
the patriots time to make their work almost impregnable, and the British were 
compelled to surrender as prisoners of war, or to evacuate the city immediately, 
to avoid destruction. As prisoners, they would have been excessively burden- 
some to the colonies ; so, having informally agreed to allow them to depart 
without injury, "Washington had the inexpressible pleasure of saying, in a letter 
written to the President of Congress, on the 17 th of March, "that this morning 
the Ministerial troops evacuated the town of Boston, without destroying it, and 
that we are now in full possession." Seven thousand soldiers, four thousand 
seamen, and fifteen hundred families of loyalists,^ sailed for Halifax on that day. 

1. Note 8, p. 129. 

2. The Landgrave (or petty prince) of H^sse Cassel, having furnished the most considerable portion 
of these troops, they were called by the general name of JJess'ians . Ignorant, brutal and bloodthirsty, 
they were hated by the patriots, and despised even by the regular English army. They were always 
employed in posts of greatest danger, or in expeditions least creditable. These troops cost the British 
government almost eight hundred thousand dollars, besides the necessity, according to the contract, of 
defending the little principalities thus stripped, against their foes. 

3. Verse 32, p. 170. 4. Verse 24. p. I2S, 

5. Twelve hundred men, with intrenching tools, and a guard of eight hundred. 

6. It must be remembered that the Americans were by no means unanimous in their opposition to 
Great Britain. From the beginning there were many who supported the crown ; and as the colonists be- 
came more and nnre rebe'liius, these increased. Some because they believed their brethren to be 
wrong ; others throigh tiraiditN ; and a greater number because they thought it their interest to adhere 
to the king. The loyalists, or Tories, were the worst and most etficient enemies of the Whigs [note 3, p. 
171] during the whole war. Those who left Boston at this time, were afraid to encounter the exasperated 



Questions. — 3. What necessity did Congress perceive? What did Congress do? 4. What was done at 
Boston ? What alarmed the British ? What did they attempt ? What important events happened ? and 
how ? 




SECOND YEAR OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCF. 185 

The Americans immediately marched into the city, with drums beating and ban- 
ners waving, greeted on every side with demonstrations of joy by the redeemed 
people. 

5. "Washington had been informed, early in 
January, that general Sir Henry Clinton had 
sailed from Boston with a considerable body 
of troops, on a secret expedition. General 
Charles Lee was immediately despatched to Con- 
necticut to raise troops, and to proceed to New 
York to oppose Clinton, if that should be his 
place of destination. Six weeks before the evac- 
uation of Boston [March 17, 1776], Lee had en- 
camped near New York with twelve hundred 
militia. Already the Sons of Liherh/ had seized 
the cannons at Fort George, ^ and driven Tryon,^ 
the royal governor, on board a British armed 
vessel in the harbor. In March, Clinton arrived 
at Sandy Hook, just outside New York harbor, general lee. 
and on the same day, Lee' entered the city. The 

movement was timely, for Clinton was kept at bay. Foiled in his attempt upon 
New York, that commander sailed southward, where we shall meet him pres- 
ently. ^ 

6. Washington was ignorant of Howe's destination ; but supposing he would 
proceed to New York, he put the main body of his army in motion toward that 
city, as soon as he had placed Boston in a state of security. He arrived in New 
York about the middle of April [April 14], and proceeded at once to fortify the 
town and vicinity, and also the passes of the Hudson Highlands, fifty miles 
above. In the meanwhile, general Lee, who had been appointed to command 
the American forces in the South, had left his troops in the charge of general 
Lord Stirling [March 7], and was hastening toward the Carohnas to watch the 
movements of Clinton, and gather an army there. 

7. A considerable fleet under admiral Sir Peter Parker, was sent from 
England in the spring of 1776, to operate against the sea-coast towns of the 
southern colonies. Parker was joined by Chnton, at Cape Fear, in May, when 
the latter took the chief command of all the land forces. The fleet arrived off 
Charleston bar on the 4th of June, and on the same day, Clinton, with several 
hundred men, landed on Long Island, which lies eastward of Sullivan's Island. 
Apprized of their hostile designs, and elated by a victory obtained by North 
Carolina militia, under colonel Caswell, over fifteen hundred loyalists [Feb. 27, 
1776], (chiefly Scotch Highlanders), on Moore's Creek,''' the southern patriots 
had cheerfully responded to the call of general Rutledge, and about six thousand 

patriots, when they should return to their desolated homes in the city, from which they had been driven 
by military persecution. The churches had been stripped of their pulpits and pews, for fuel, line shade 
trees had been burned, and many houses had been pillaged and damaged by the soldiery. 

1. Note 4, p. 162. 

2. This fort stood at the foot of Broadway, on a portion of the site of the present Battery. 

3. Verse 27, p. 168. 

4. Charles Lee was born in Wales, in 1731. He was a brave officer in the British army. He settled in 
Virginia in 1773, and was one of the first brigadiers of the Continental Army. His ambition and perve:s- 
iiv of temper, caused his ruin. He died in Philadelphia in 1782. See verse 5, p. 209. 

5. Verse 7, p. 185. 

6. In the present New Hanover county, North Carolina. 



QueMiona.—b. What caused Washington to send Lee to New York ? What occurred at New York ? 6. 
What measures did Washington adopt? What efforts were made by Lee? ~. What British forces ap- 
peared at Charleston? What did they first do ? What had happened iu North Carolina? How were tho 
Americans prepared for the enemy ? 



186 



THE KEVOLUTION". 



/ 




GENERAL MOtTLTRIE. 



armed mon Ind collected in and near Charleston, when the enemy appeared.' 

The city and eligible posts near it, had been for- 
tified, and quite a strong fort, composed of pal- 
meto logs and sand, and armed with twent}'- 
six mounted cannons, had been erected upon 
Sullivan's Island, to command the channel 
leading to the town. This fort was garrisoned 
by about five hundred men. chiefly militia, 
under Colonel William Moultrie. - 

8. A combined attack, by land and water, 
upon Sullivan's Island, was commenced by the 
British, on the morning of the 28tli of June, 
1776, While the fleet was pouring a terrible 
storm of iron balls upon Fort Sullivan, Clinton 
endeavored, but in vain, to force a passage 
across a narrow creek which divided the two 
islands, in order to attack the j-et unfinished 
fortress in the rear. But colonel Thompson, with a small battery on the east 
end of the island, repelled every forward movement of Clinton, while the can- 
nons of the fort were spreading terrible havoc among the British vessels.^ The 
conflict raged for almost ten hours, and only ceased when night fell upon the 
scene. Then the British fleet, almost shattered into fragments, withdrew, and 
abandoned the enterprise.^ The slaughter of the British had been frightful. 
Two hundred and twenty-five had been killed or wounded, while only two of 
the garrison were killed, and twenty-two wounded.' The British departed for 
Now York three days after ward^ [June 31, 1776], and for more than two years 
the din of war was not heard below the Roanoke. This victory had a most 
inspiriting effect upon the patriots throughout the land. 

9. While these events were transpiring in the South, and while Washington 
was augmenting and strengthening the "continental army at New York, and 
British troops and German hirelings" were approaching by thousands, the Con- 
gress, now in permanent session in the State House at Philadelphia, had a ques- 
tion of vast importance under consideration. A few men. looking beyond the 
storm-clouds of the present, beheld bright visions of glory for their country, 



1. General Arm^'tronp:, of Pei)isylvania [verse 24, p. 146], had arrived in Soulh Carolina in April, and 
look ihs g:eiieral command. Lee arrived on ihe same day when the British, under Clinton, lauded ou 
Long: If-land. 

2. Loin in South Carolina in 1730. He was in the Cherokee war [verse 49, p. 156], in 1761. He was an 
ncive ollioer until nu\de prisoner in 1780, when for two years he was not allowed to bear aims. He died 
in 1805. He wrote a veiy interesting- memoir of the War in the Soulh. 

.3. At one lime every man but admiral Parker was swept from the deck of his vessel. Among those 
who were badly wounded, was lord William Campbell, tiie royal governor of South Carolina. He af- 
terward died of his wounds. 

4. The Acteon, a large vessel, grounded on a shoal between Fort Sullivan and the city, where she was 
buriie 1 by the Americans. 

5. The s!re!igth of the fort consisted in the capacity of the spongy palmeto logs, upon which cannon 
halls would make very little impression. It appeared to be a very insecure defence, and liCe advised 
Moultiie to abandon it, when the British approached. But that brave officer would not desert it, and 
was rewarded wi.li victory. The ladies of Charleston presented his regiment with a pair of elegant 
colors, and the " slaughter pen," as Lee ironically called Fort Sullivan, was named Fort Moultiie. 
During the action, the staff, bearing a large flag, was cut down by a cannon ball from the fleet. _ The 
colors fell outside the fort. A serge-mt named Jasper, leaped down from one of the bastions, and in the 
midst of the iron hail that was poiiiing from the fort, coolly picked up the flag, ascended to the bastion, 
and calling for a sponge-staff, tied the colors to it, stuck it in the sand, and then took his place among his 
companions in the fort. A few days afterward, governor Rutledge took his own sword from his side, 
i;:; 1 presented it lotlie brave Jasper. 

C. Verse 11, p. I6S. 7. Verse 2, p. 183. 



Qiifstionif. — 8. Can you relate the incidents of the battle in Charleston harbor ? What were the effects ? 
9. WliMt important subject now occupied the atteutiou of Congress ? What had made the people wish for 



iudcpoudeuce ? What was done ? 



SECOND YEAR OF THE WAR FOR IXDEPENDENC:^. 137 




STATE HOUSE. 



"whon the people, now declared to be rebels,' and out of the protection of the 
British king, should organize themselves 
into a sovereign nation. This grand idea 
began to flash through the popular mind at 
the close of 1775 ; and when, earlj^ in 177(3, 
it was tangibly spoken by Thomas Paine, in 
a pamphlet entitled Common Sense;^ and 
whose vigorous thoughts were borne by the 
press to every community, a desire for la- 
dependetice filled the hearts of the people. 
In less tlian eighty days after the evacua- 
tion of Boston [March 17, 1776], almost 
every provincial assembl}'' had spoken in 
favor of independence ; and on the 7th of 
June, Richard Henry Lee,^ of Virginia, of- 
fered to the consideration of the Continental Congress, the following resolution : 
^' Besolved, That these united colonies are, and, of right, ought to be, free and in- 
dependent States ; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British crown, 
and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, 
is, and ought to be, totally dissolved."^ 

10. This resolution did not meet with general favor in Congress, at first. 
Many yet hoped, even against hope, for reconciliation, and thought it premature, 
and there were some timid ones who trembled whUe standing so near the bor- 
ders of high treason. After debating the subject for three days, the further 
consideration of it was postponed until the first of July. A committee' was 
appointed [June 11], however, to draw up a declaration in accordance with the 
resolution and were instructed to report on the same day when the latter should 
be called up. Tho.nis Jefferson, of Virginia, the youngest member of the com- 
mittee, was chosen its chairman, and to him was assigned the task of preparing 
the Declaration.'' Adams and Franklin made a few alterations in his draft, and 
it was submitted to Congress at the same hour when Mr. Lee's resolution was 
taken up for consideration. On the following day [July 2], the resolution was 
adopted by a large majoritv. The Declaration was debated almost two days 
longer; and finall}^, at about raid-day, on the 4th of July. 1776, the represen- 
tatives of thirteen colonies unanimously declared them free and independent 
S;;at?s, under the name of The Uxited States of America. Only John 
Hancock, ^ the president of Congress, signed it on that day, and thus it first went 



1. Verse 2, p. 183. 

2. It is said to have been prepared at the suggestion of Dr. Rush, of Philadelphia. Its chief topic 
was the right and expediency of colonial independence. Paine also wrote a series of equally powerful 
papers, called The Ciiiis. The first number was written in Fort Lee, on the Hudson, in December, 1776, 
and published while Washington was on the banks of the Delaware. See verse 21, p. 192. These had a 
powerful etTect in stimulating the people to efforts for independence. 

3. Born in Westmoreland county, Virginia, in 1732. He was much in public life, signed the Declar- 
ation of lulepe idence, was a United States Senator, and died in 1794. 

4. On the lOih of May, Congress had, by resolution, recommended the establishment of independent 
State governments in all the colonies. This, however, was not sufficiently national to suit the bolder 
and wiser members of that body, and the people at large. Lee's resolution more fully expressed the 
popular will. 

5. Thomas .Jefferson, of Va ; John Adams, of Mass. ; Benjamin Franklin, of Penn. ; Roger Sherman, of 
Conn. ; and Robert R. Livingston, of N. Y. Mr. Lee was summoned home to the bedside of a sick wife, 
on the day before the appointment of the committee, or he would doubtless have been its chairman. 

6. He was then boarding at Mrs. Clymer's, on the south-west corner of Seventh and High streets, Phila- 
delphia. See picture on page 325. 

7. Born at Quincy, Massachusetts, in 1737. He was an early and popular opponent of British power, 
and w i-i I'hosea the second president of Congress. He was afterwards governor of Massachusetts, and 
dijd in 1793. 



Qiextion. — 10. How did Congressmen regard the resolution of I^ee ? What action was taken? What 
ca.i you tell about ilio D,;chiraiion of Independence t 



188 



THE EEVOLUTION. 




JOHN HANCOCK. 



forth to the world. It was ordered to be written 
ou parchment, and on the 2d of August following, 
the names of all but two of the fifty-six signers,' 
were placed upon it. These two were added 
afterward. It had then been read to the army;^ 
at public meetings ; from a hundred pulpits, and 
in all legislative halls in the land, and every- 
where awakened the warmest responses of ap- 
proval. 

11. General Howe left Halifax^ on the 11th of 
June [1176], and arrived at Sandy Hook, on the 
29th. On the 2d of July he took possession of 
Staten Island, where he was joined by Sir Henry 
Clinton [July 11], from the South, ■! and his brother, 
admiral lord Howe [July 12], with a fleet and a large land force, from England. 
Before the first of August, other vessels arrived with a part of the Hessian 
troops, 5 and on that day, almost thirty thousand soldiers, many of them tried 
veterans, stood ready to foil upon the Republican army of seventeen thousand 
men,6 mostly militia, which lay intrenched in New York and vicinity, less than 
a dozen miles distant.'^ The grand object in view was the seizure of New 
York and the country along the Hudson, so as to keep open a communication 
with Canada, separate the patriots of New England from those of the other 
States, and to overrun the most populous portion of the revolted colonies. 

12. Lord Howe,'^ and his brother, the general, were commissioned to "grant 
pardon to all who deserved mercy," and to treat for peace, but only on terms of 
absolute submission on the part of the colonies, to the will of the king and par- 
liament. After making a foolish display of arrogance and weakness, in address- 
ing general Washington as a private gentleman,^ and being assured that the 
Americans had been guilty of no offence requiring a " pardon" at their hands, 
they prepared to strike an immediate and effective blow. The British army 
was accordingly put in motion on the morning of the 22d of August [1776]; and 
during that day, ten thousand etfective men, and forty pieces of cannon, were 
landed on the western end of Long Island, between the present Fort Hamilton 
and Gravesend village. 



1. This document, containing the autographs of those venera*«(J fathers of our republic", is carefully 
preserved in a glass case, in the rooms of the National InMitutey.&t Washington city. Not one of all 
that band of patriots now survives. Charles t^arrol was the last to leave us. He departed in 1832, at 
the age of ninety years. It is worthy of remembrance that not one of all those signers of the Ueclaration 
of Independence, died with a tarnished reputation. The memory of all, is sweet. 

2. Washington caused it to be read at the head of each brigade of the army, then in New York city, 
on the 9th of July. That night, citizens and soldiers pulled down the leaden equestrian statue of George 
III., which stood in the Bowling Green, and it was soon afterward converted into bullets for the use of 
the Continental Army. The statue was gilded. 

3. Verse 4, p. 184. 4. Verse 8, p. 186. 5. Verse 2, p. 183. 

6. There were about 27,000 men enrolled, but not more than 17,000 men were fit for duty. A great many 
were siclv, and a large number were without arms. 

7. Many of the ships passed through the Narrows, and anchored in the Bay. Howe's flag-ship, the 
Eagle, lay near (Governor's Island. While in that position, a bold soldier went in a submarine vessel, 
with a machine for blowing up a ship, and endeavored to fasten it to the bottom of the Eagle, but failed. 
He was discovered, and barely escaped. An explosion took place near the Eagle, and ste was hastily 
moved further down the Bay. This was called a torpedo. 

8. Richard, earl Howe, was brother of the young lord Howe [verse 32, p. 149], killed at Ticondero- 
ga. He was born in 1725, and died in 1799. 

9. The letters of lord Howe to the American commander-in-chief, were addressed " George Washing- 
ton, Esq." As that did not express the public character of the chief, and as he would not confer with 
the enemies of his country in a private capacity, AVashington refused to receive the letters. Howe was 
instructed not to acknowledge the authority of Congress in any way, and as Washington had received 
his commission from that body, to address him as " general," would have been a recognition of its au- 
thority. He meant no disrespect to Washington. 



Que'tionst. — 11. What preparations were made to attack New York? 12. What powers were giveri to 
liord Howe an J his brother? What foolish thing did ho do? What military movements were made? 



SECOND YEAR OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. 189 




GETiEKAL rUT^ASI. 



13. Detachments of Americans under general Sullivan, occupied a fortified 
camp at Brooklyn, opposite New York, and guarded several passes in a range 
of hills which extend from the Narrows to the 

village of Jamaica. When intelligence of the 
landing of the invading army reached Wash- 
ington, he sent general Putnam, ' with large re- 
inforcements, to take the chief command on 
Long Island, and to prepare to meet the enemy. 
The American troops on the Island now 
numbered about five thousand [August 2G'. 
The British approached in three divisions. The 
left, under general Grant, marched along the 
shore toward Gowanus ; the right under Clinton 
and Cornwalhs, toward the interior of the 
island, and the centre, composed chiefly of Hes- 
sians, 2 under de Heister, marched up the Flat- 
bush road, south of the hills. 

14. Before dawn on the morning of the 2'7tli 

[August], Chnton gained possession of the Jamaica pass, near the present East 
New York. At the same time. Grant was pressing forward along the shore of 
New York Bay, and at day-break, encountered lord Stirling, 3 where the monu- 
ments of Greenwood cemetery now dot the hills. De Heister advanced from 
Flatbush at the same hour, and attacked Sullivan, who, having no suspicions of 
the movements of Clinton, was watching the Flatbush Pass. A bloody conflict 
ensued, and while it was progressing, Clinton descended from the wooded hills, 
by the way of Bedford, to gain Sullivan's rear. As soon as the latter perceived 
his peril, he ordered a retreat to the American lines at Brooklyn. It was too 
late ; Chnton drove him back upon the Hessian bayonets, and after fighting des- 
perately hand to hand, with the foe in front 
and rear, and losing a greater portion of his 
men, Sullivan was compelled to surrender. 

15. While these disasters were occurring 
on the left, Cornwalhs descended the post-road 
to Gowanus, and attacked Stirling. They 
fought desperately, until Stirhng was made 
prisoner. Many of his troops were drowned 
while endeavoring to escape across the Gow- 
anus creek, as the tide was rising, and a large 
number were made prisoners. At noon the 
victory for the British was complete. About 
five hundred Americans were killed or wound- 
ed, and eleven hundred made prisoners. These 
were soon suffering dreadful horrors in prisons and prison-ships at New York. ' 




BATTLE OJf LONG ISLAND. 



1. Born in Salem, Massachusetts, in 1718. He was a very useful officer durinp the French and Indian 
Tvar, and was in active service in the continental army, until 1779, when bodily inlirmity compelled h:m 
to retire. He died in 1790, at the age of seventy -two years. 

2. Verse 2, p. 183. .. j • 

3. William Alexander, lord Stirling, was a descendant of the Scotch earl of Stirhng, mentioned m 
note 6, p. 59. He was born in the city of New York, in 1726. He became attached to the patriot cause, 
and was an active officer during ihe war. He died in 1783. a. e ^^ 

4. Note 6, p. 150. Among the prisoners was general Nathaniel Woodhnll, late president ot tlie 
provincial Congress of New York. He was taken prisoner on the 30th, and after being severely wounded 
at the time, he was so neglected, that his injuries proved fatal in the course of a few days. His age 
was fifty-three. See Onderdonk's Revolutionary Incidents of Long Island. 

QueMions.—lS. What was ihepo'^ition and strength of the American army? How did it prepare for 
the attack of the British? 14. What can you tell of the early part of the battle on Long Islanrtf 
15. What events occurred near Gowanus ? What was the result cf the battle ? 



100 THE EEVOLLTIOX. 

Tlie British loss in killed, wouiuled, and prisoners, was three hundred and 
sixty-seven. 

16. Washington had viewed the destruction of his troops, with the deepest an- 
guish, yet ho dareil not weaken his power in the city, by sending leinlbrce- 
ments. He crossed over on the following morning [Aug. 28J. with ilitHin,^ who 
had come down from the upper end of York island with a thousand troops, 
and was gratilied to find the enemy encamped in front of Putnam's lines, and 
delaying an attack until the British fleet should co-operate with him. The de- 
lay allowed Washington time to form and execute a plan for the salvation of the 
remainder of the army, now too weak to resist an assault with any hope of suc- 
cess. Under cover of a heavy fog on the night of the 29th. and morning of 
the 30th, he silenth' withdrew them from the camp.- and, unperceived by the 
British, they all crossed over to Xew York in safety, carrying evervthing with 
them but their heavy cannons. When the fog rolled away, and the sunlight 
bui*st upon Brooklyn and Xew York, the last boat-load of patriots had reached 
the city shore. Howe, who felt sure of his prey, was great I3- mortified, and 
prepared to make an inuuediate attack upon New York, before the Americans 
should become reintbroed, or should escape from it.-^ 

17. Had true patriotism prevailed in every heart in the American army, it 
might have maintained its position in the city, and kept the British at bay. But 
there were a great number of merely selfish men in the camp. Sectional difter- 
ences' weakened the bond of union, and immorality of every kind prevailed. 
There was also a general spirit of insubordination, and the disasters on Long 
Island disheartened the timid. Hundreds deserted the cause and went home. 
Never, during the long struggle of after years, was the hopeful mind of Wash- 
ington more clouded by doubts, than during the montli of September. 1776. In 
the midst of tlie gloom and perplexity, he called a council of war [Sept. 12th], 
and it was determined to send the military stores to a secure place up the Hud- 
son,' and to retreat to and fortity Harlem Heights.*' near the upper end of York 
Island.'' This was speedily accomplished: and when, on the 15th, a strong de- 
tachment of the British army crossed the East river and landed three miles 
above the town.^^ without much opposition.^ the greater portion of the Americans 
were busy in fortifying their new camp on Harlem Heights. 

1. Verse 6. \>. 240. 

2. During the nijrht, a woman living nc.ir the present Fulton Ferry, where the Americans cmbarlicc!, 
sent her negro servant to inform the British of the movement. The negro fell into the hands of ilu 
Hessians. They eouhi not understand a word of his language, and detained him until so late in the 
morning that his information was of no avail. 

3. He ordered several vessels of war to sail around Long Island, and come down the Sound to Flnshing 
Bay. so as to cover the intended landing of the troop'* upon the main, in Westchester county [veise 19. 
p. iiUl. In the meanwhile. Howe m^ide an overture for peace, supposing the late disaster would dispose 
the .\mericans to listen eagerly to almost any proposition for reconciliation. He paroled general Sulli- 
van, and b.v him sent a verbal conimnnication to Congress, suggesting a committee for conference. It 
was appointed, and on the 11th of Sept. they met I^ord Howe at the house of Captain Billop. on Stateu 
Island. The committee would treat only for intleprwlenre, and the conference had no practical re- 
siilt, except to widen the breach, Franklin was one of the committee, and when Howe spoke patron- 
izingly of prot<"<'tion for the Americans, the Doctor told hini courteously that the Americans were not in 
need of British proieclion, for they could protect themselves. 

4. The army, which at first consisted chieflv of Xew Ensrland people, had been reinforced by others 
froin Xew Vork. Xew .lersey. Pennsvlvania, Delaware. Maryland and Virginia, all of them jealous ot 
their respective claims to precedence, .tc. 

6. To Dobb's Ferry, twentvtwo mile's north of the citv-hall. Xew York. 

6. These extend ftom !he plain on which the village of Haiiem stands, about seven and a half mi'.es 
from the city-hall. Xew York, to two hundred and sixth street, near King's bridge. 

(. Also called Manhattan. S >e verse I, p. \0X and note .■^. p. M. 

N At Kipp's B \y. now at the foot of thirty-fourth st., on the Fast river, 

'.'. Some l\>nnecticut troops, frightened by the nnniber mid martial appearance of the British, fled at 
their approach. In attempting, in person, to rally them. Washington came very near being lost. 



Quf.Hinti.f. — ItV What did Washington feel and do? What ran yon tell of the retreat of the Ameri- 
catis? 17. What was now the character aud conditioa of the American a; my? What movements we.e 
agreed to, aud accomplished ? 



SECOND YEAR OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. IDI 

18. The British detachment forniod a line almost across the island to Bloom- 
ingdalo, within two miles of the American entrenchments just beyond the pres- 
ent Mauhattanville, while the main arnw on Long Island was stationed at dit- 
ferent points from Brooklyn to Flushing.' On the 16th, detachments of the bel- 
ligerents met on Harlem plains, and a severe skirmish ensued. The Americans 
were victorious, but their triumph cost the lives of two brave officers — colonel 
Knowltou of Connecticut, and major Leitch of Virginia. The effect of the vic- 
tory was inspiriting; and so faithfully did the patriots ply muscle and imple- 
ment, that before Howe could make ready to attack them, tliey had constructed 
double lines of intrenchmonts, and were prepared to defy him. 

10. Perceiving the inutility of attacking the Americans in front. Howe next 
endeavored to gain their rear. Leaving quite a strong force in possession of the 
city"^ [Sept. '20], he sent three armed vessels up the Hudson to cut ott'the Amer- 
ican communications with New Jersey, while the great bulk of his army (now 
reinforced by an arrival of fresh troops from England). ' made their way [Oct. 
12] to a point in Westchester county,^ beyond the Harlem river. When Wash- 
ington perceived the designs of his enemy, he placed a garrison of almost three 
thousand men. under colonel Magaw. in Fort Washington. ' and withdrew the 
remainder of his army^ to a position on the Bronx river, in Westchester county, 
to oppose Howe, or retreat in safety to the Hudson Highlands, if necessary. He 
established his head quarters at White Plains village, and there, on the 28th of 
October, a severe engagement took place [Nov. 1. 1776." | The Americans were 
driven from their position, and three days afterwards, formed a strong camp on 
the hills of North Castle, tive miles farther north. The British general was afraid 
to pursue them; and after strengthening the post at Peekskill at the lower en- 
trance to the Highlands, and securing the vantage ground at North Castle,"* Wash- 
ington crossed the Hudson [Nov. 12] with the main body of his army, and joined 
general Greene at Fort Lee, oa the Jersey shore, about two miles below Fort 
Washington. This movement was made on account of an apparent preparation 
by the British to invade New Jersey and march upon Philadelphia, where the 
Congress was in session.^ 

20. Previous to the engagement at White Plains, general Knyphausen and a 
large body of Hessians''^' who had arrived at New York, had joined the invading 
arm}-. After Washington had crossed the Hudson, these German troops and a 

1. Wishing to ascertain the exact condition of the B^iti^ih army, Washington engaged Captain Na- 
than Hale, of Knowlton's regiment, to visit their camps on Long Island. He was caught, taken to 
Howe's head quarters at New York, and executeii as a spy by the brutal provost-marshal, Cunning- 
ham. He was not allowed to have a bible nor cleigymanduring his last hours, nor to send letters to 
friends. His fate and Andre's f verse lt>,p."228] have been compared. 

2. Atone o'clock on the morning of the 21st. a Bre broke out in a small groggery near the foot of Brond 
street, and before it was extinguished, about five hundred buildings were destroyed. The Hriti-1» 
charged the fire upon the Americans. Although such incendiarism had been contemplated, this was 
purely accidental. 

3. The whole British army now nnmbered about 35,000 men. 

4. Throg's Neck, sixteen miles from the city. 

5. Fort Washington was erected early in 1776. npon the highest ground on 
York Island, ten mile* from the city, between one hundred eighty-first and 
one hundred eighty-sixth streets, and overlooking both the Hudson and Har- 
lem rivers. There are a few traces of its embankments yet 11854) visible. 

6. Nominally, nineteen thousand men. but actually effective, not more 
than half that number. 

7. The combatants lost about an equal number of men — not more than 
three hundred in killed, wounded and prisoners. 

8. General Heath was left in command in the Highlands, and general Lee 
at North Castle. 

9. Verse 9. p. 186. Afterward adjourned to Baltimore. Verse 24, p. 193 




10. Verse 2, p. 183. fort Washington. 



Qufstinii.t . — IS. Whiit did the British army now do? What skirmish ensned? and what were its re- 
sults? 19. What did Howe attempt to do?' What movements did Washington make? What occurred 
at White Plains? What did Washington then do? 20. What did the English and Hessian troops ac- 
complish ? How did the Americans suffer ? What did Cornwallis do? 



192 



THE EEVOLUTION. 



part of the English army, five thousand strong, proceeded to attack Fort Wasli- 
ington. Thty were successful, but at a cost to the victors of full one thousand 
brave men.^ More than two thousand Americans were made prisoners of war 
[Nov. 16], and like their fellow captives on Long Island,'- were crowded into 
loathsome prisons and prison ships. -^ Two days afterward [Nov. 18], Cornwal- 
lis, with six thousand men, crossed the Hudson at Dobb's Ferry, ■» and took pos- 
session of Fort Lee, which the Americans had abandoned on his approach, leav- 
ing all the baggage and military stores behind them. 

21. Now was opened both a melancholy and a brilliant chapter, in the history 
of the war for Independence. For three weeks Washington, with his shattered 
and daily diminishing army, was flying before an overwhelming force of Britons. 
Newark, New Brunswick, Princeton and Trenton, successively fell into the 
power of Cornwallis. So close were the British vanguards upon the rear of the 
Americans, sometimes, that each could hear the nuisic of the other. Day 
after day, the militia left the army as their terms of enlistment expired, and 
many of the regulars' deserted. Loyalists were swarming all over the country 
through which they passed,'' and when, on the Tth of December, Washington 
reached the frozen banks of the Delaware, at Trenton, he had less than three 
thousand men, most of them wretchedly clad, half flimished, and without tents 
to shelter them from the biting Winter air. On the 8th, that remnant of an 
army crossed the Delaware in boats, and sat down, almost in despair, upon the 
Pennsylvania shore. 

22. During his flight Washington had sent repeated messages to general 
Lee," urging him to leave North Castle,^ and reinforce him. That oflicer hoping 
to strike a blow against the British that might give himself personal renown, 
was so tardy in his obedience, that he did not enter New Jersey until the Amer- 
icans had crossed the Delaware. He was soon afterward made prisoner [Dec. 
13, 1776], and his command devolved upon general Sullivan. ^ At about the 
same time intelligence reached the chief that the British had taken possession 




niE jEiiSEV ruisoN -ti;:!'. 



1. The loss of the Americans, in killed 
and -wounded, did not exceed one hun- 
dred. 

2. Nothing conld exceed the horrors of 
these crowded prisons, as described by nn 
eye witness. The sugar houses of New 
York, being large, were used for the pur- 
pose, and therein scores suffered and died. 
But the most terrible scenes occurred on 
board several old hulks, which were an- 
chored in the waters around New York, 
and used for prisoners. Of them the Jer- 
sey was the most famous for ihesull'crings 
it'coutained, and the brutality of its otti- 

ccrs. From these vessels, anchored near the present Navy Yard at Brooklyn, almost eleven thousand 
viciims weie carried ashore during the war, and buried in shallow graves in the sand. Their leman s 
were "aihcrcd in 1S08, and put in a vault situated near the termination of I ront street, at Hudson Ave- 
nue Brooklyn. See Onderdouk's liei: Incidents of Long Island. Lossiug's Field Book, supplement. 

4. Note 5, "p. 190. . , 6. Note 7, p. 141. ^ * .• . 

(•) General Howe had sent out proclamations through the country, ofleriiig pardon and protection to 
all who mi"ht a*k for mercv. Perceiving the disasters to the American arms during the Summer and 
Autumn, great numbers took advantage of these promises, and signed petitions. They soon found that 
protection did not follow j)<ir<?o;i, for the Hessian troops, in their march through New Jersey ,_ committed 
great excesses, without inquiring whetber their victims were Wfiigs or Tones. Note 6, p. X, 1. 

7 Note 4 p 185 ^- Verse 19, p. 191. 

y'. Both Sullivan and Stirling, who were made prisoners on Long Ishmd [verses 14-15, p. 1S9], had 
beenexchanged, and were uov again wiih the army. Lee was captured at Baskirgndge, wbe:e lout 
Stirling resided, and remained a prisoner until May, 1778, when ho was exchanged lor general 1 rescoti, 
who was captured on Rhode Island. See verse 9, p. 196. 



Question.'>.—2l. What can vou tell of Washington's retreat toward the Delaware? What was then the 
condition of the American army? 2-'. How did general Lee behave f \\ hat happened to him? What 
occurred on Rhode Island and on Lake Champlaiu ? 



SECOND YEAR OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. 193 

of Rhode Island/ and blockaded the little American fleet, under commodore 
Hopkins, '2 then lying near Providence. This intelligence, and a knowledge of 
the failure of operations on Lake Champlain,^ coupled with the sad condition of 
the main army of patriots, made the future appear gloomy indeed. 

23. Fortunately for the patriot cause, general Howe was excessively cautious 
and indolent. Instead of allowing Cornwallis to construct boats,* cross the 
Delaware at once, overwhelm the patriots and push on to Philadelphia, as he 
might have done, he ordered him to await the freezing of the waters so as to 
cross on the ice. He was also directed to place four thousand German troops 
in cantonments along the Jersey shore of the river, from Trenton to Burlington, 
and to occupy Princeton and New Brunswick with strong British detachments. 
Both Congress and Washington profited by this delay. Measures for re-organ- 
izing the army, already planned, were put in operation, and a loan of a large 
sum, in hard money, with which to pay the troops, was authorized. By the 
offer of liberal bounties, ^ and the influence of a stirring appeal put forth by 
Congress, recruits immediately flocked to Washington's standard at Newtown.'' 
Almost simultaneously, Lee's detachment under Sullivan, and another from Ti- 
conderoga,''' joined him ; and on the 24th of December he found himself in com- 
mand of almost five thousand effective troops, many of them fresh and hopeful.^ 

24. During all the gloom of the past month, hope had beamed brightly upon 
the heart of the commander-in-chief Although Congress had adjourned to 
Baltimore^ [Dec. 12, 1776], and the public mind was filled with despondency, 
his reliance upon Providence in a cause so just, was never shaken ; and his 
great soul conceived, and his ready hand planned a bold stroke for deliverance. 
The Christmas holiday was at hand, — a day when Germans, especially, indulge 
in convivial pleasures. Not doubting the Hessians would pass the day in sports 
and drinking, he resolved to profit by their condition, by falling suddenly upon 
them while they were in deep slumber after a day and night of carousal. His 
plan was to cross the Delaware in three di\isions, one a few miles above Tren- 
ton, another a few miles below, and a third at Bristol to attack Count Donop^" 
at Burlington. 

25. Washington gathered twenty-four hundred men, with some heavy artil- 
lery, at McCoukey's Ferry, eight or nine miles above Trenton, on the evening 



1. A British sf|uadron nnder Sir Peter Parker, who, as we have seen, [verse 7, p. 185] was defeated 
at (Charleston, sailed into Narraganset bay early in December, and took possession of the island. 

2. Note 5, p. 220. 

3. General (iates was appointed to the command of the army at the north, after the death of general 
Thomas [note 3, p. 182] ; and during the Summer and Autumn of 1776, Colonel Arnold became a sort of 
commodore, and commanded flotillas of small vessels in warfare with others prepared by general Carle- 
ton, on Lake Champlain. He had two severe engagements (11th and 13th of October), in which he lost 
about ninety men ; the British about forty. These operations were disastrous, yet they resulted in pre- 
venting the British forces in Canada uniting with those in New York. 

4. The Americans took every boat they could find at Trenton, and cautiously moved them out of the 
river after they had crossed. 

5. Each soldier was to have a bounty of twenty dollars, besides an allotment of land at the close of 
the war. A common soldier was to have one himdred acres, and a colonel five hundred. These were 
given to those only who enlisted to serve " during the war." 

6. A small village about two miles from the Delaware, north of Bristol. 

7. Verse 32, p. 149. 

8. By the adjutant's return to Washington on the 22d of December, the American army numbered 
10,106 men, of whom 5,399 were sick, on command elsewhere, or on furlough. 

9. Alarmed at the approach of the British, Congress thought it prudent to adjourn to Baltimore. A 
committee to represent that body was left in Philadelphia, to co-operate with the army. Congress assem- 
bled at Baltimore on the 20th. 

10. Verse 16, p. 201. 



QueMiona. — 23. What did the Briti.sh commander-in-chief do? How was his army disposed? How 
was Washington's army increased ? 24. How did circumstances aflect Washington? What plan did he 
arrange? 25. What movement did he make? What can you tell of the march to, and attack upon the 
enemy at Trenton ? 

9 



194 



THE REVOLUTION. 




BATTLE AT TRENTON. 



of Christmas day.' The river was filled with floating ice, and sleet and snow 
were falling fast. The passage was made in flat boats ; and so difficult was the 
navigation, that it was almost four o'clock in the morning [Dec. 12, 1776], wheu 
the troops were mustered on the Jersey shore. They were arranged iu 
two divisions, and approached Trenton by separate roads. They were respect- 
ively commanded by Greene and Sullivan. The enterprise was eminently suc- 
cessful. Rail, the Hessian commander, was yet indulging in wine at the end of 
a night spent in card playing,' when the Americans approached, a little after 
sunrise ; and while endeavoring to rally his affrighted troops he fell, mortally 
wounded, in the streets of Trenton. Between forty and fifty of the Hessians 

were killed and fatally wounded, and 
=n^ more than a thousand, with arms, ammuni- 
■ '^ tion and stores, were made prisoners, and 
spoils of victory. Five hundred British 
cavalry barely escaped, and fled to Borden- 
town. Generals Ewing and Cadwallader, 
who commanded the other two divisions, 
were unable to cross the river on account 
of the ice, to co-operate with Washington. 
With a strong enemy so near as Burling- 
ton and Princeton, AVashington thought it 
imprudent to remain on the Jersey shore, 
so with his prisoners and booty he re-crossed the Delaware on the evening after 
his victory. 

26. It was indeed a victory in more aspects than that of a skilful military 
operation. The Germans on the river, thoroughly alarmed, fled into the inte- 
rior. The Tories and phant Whigs- were abashed ; the friends of hberty, rising 
from the depths of despondency, stood erect in the pride and strength of their 
principles ; the prestige of the Hessian name, lately so terrible, was broken, and 
the faltering militia, anxious for bounties and honors, flocked to the victorious 
standard of Washington. Fourteen hundred soldiers, whose terms of enlistment 
would expire with the year, agreed to remain six weeks longer. The victory 
was also productive of more vigilant efforts on the part of the invaders. Be- 
lieving the rebellion to be at an end, and the American array hopelessly annihi- 
lated when Washington, with his shivering, half-starved troops, fled across the 
Delaware, CornwaUis had returned to New York to embark for England. The 
contempt of the British for the '• I'ebels," was changed to respect and fear, and 
when intelligence of the affair at Trenton reached Howe, he ordered CornwaUis 
back with reinforcements, to gain the advantage lost. Congress, in the mean- 
while, perceiving the necessity of giving more power to the commander-in- 
chief, wisely clothed him [Dec. 27] with all the puissance of a military dicta- 
tor, for six months, and gave him absolute control of all the operations of war, 
for that period. 3 

27. Encouraged by his success at Trenton, and its results, Washington re- 
solved to act on the offensive. He ordered general Heath, who was with quite 



1. Taylorsville is the name of the little village at that place. The river there, now spanned by a cov- 
ered bridge, is about six hundred feet iu width, and has a considerable current. 

2. Note 3, p. 171. 

3. When Congress adjourned on the 12th, to meet at Baltimore, almost equal powers were given to 
Washington, but they were not then defined. Now they were so, by resolution. At that time Congress 
had given general Putnam almost unlimited command in Philadelphia. All munitions of war there, 
were placed under his control. He was also anthoi-ized to employ all private armed vessels in the Dela- 
ware, in the defence of Philadelphia. See note 4, p. 183. 



QueMions. — 26. What were the effects of Washington's victory ? How were the British ofiBcers affect- 
ed? What did Congress do ? 27. What did Washington do? 



THIKD YEAR OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. 195 

a large bod}^ of New England troops at Peokskill.' to move into New Jersey 
with his main force, and the new militia levies were directed to annoy the hank 
and rear of the British detachments, and make frequent attacks upon their out- 
posts. In the meanwhile, he again crossed the Delaware with his whole army, 
and took post at Trenton, while the Britisli and German troops were concentrat- 
ing at Princeton, only ten miles distant. Such was the position and the con- 
dition of the two armies at the close of the second year of the war. 



SECTION IV. 



THIRD YEAR OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. [1771.] 

1. A strange apathy seemed to pervade the councils of the British government 
during 1778, even while the public mind of England was filled with the sub- 
ject of the American rebellion. Notwithstanding an army had been driven from 
one city2 [March 1776], a fieet expelled from another^ [June], their colonies de- 
clared independent^ [July 4], and almost thirty thousand of their choice troops 
and fierce hirelings had been defied and combatted' [August], parliament did 
not assemble until the last day of October, to deliberate on these important 
matters. Then the king, in his speech, congratulated them upon the success of 
the royal troops in America, and hypocritically assured them that most of the 
continental powers entertained friendly feelings toward Great Britain. During a 
dull session of six weeks, new supplies for the American service were voted, 
while every conciliatory proposition was rejected; and when parliament adjourned 
[Dec] to keep the Christmas holidays, the members appeared to feel that their 
votes had crushed the rebellion, and that on their re-assembling in January, they 
would be invited to join in a Te Deum^ at St. Paul's, because of submission and 
peace in America. At that very moment, Washington was planning his brilliant 
achievement on the banks of the Delaware.'' 

2. The members of the Continental Congress, 
on the contrary, were always vigilant and active. 
Their perpetual session was one of perpetual labor. 
Early in the year [March 1776], they had appointed 
Silas Deane'^ to proceed to France, as their agent, 
with general powers to solicit the co-operation of 
other governments. Even those remote colonists 
knew that France, Spain, and Holland, instead of 
being friendly to Great Britain, were anxious for a 
pretense to strikeher fiercely, and humble her pride. 
Deane was successful in his embassy ; and during the 
Summer of 1776, he obtained fifteen thousand mus- 
kets from the French arsenals, and abundant prom- 
ises of men and money. And when the Declaration 
of Independence [July 4] was made, Congress ap- 




SILAS UJiA>K. 



1. On the east bank of the Hudson, between forty and fiftv miles above New York. See verse 7, P- VdS: 

2. Verse 4, p. 1S4. 3, Verse 8, p. 186. 4. Verse 10, p. 1.^7. 6. Verse 13, p. 1H>. 
6. The Te Deum TMudamxis ( We praise thre O God) was always chanted in churches in England, and 



on the continent, after a great victory, great deliverance, &c 
7. Verse 25, p. 19? 



193. 

8. Gilas Deane was a native of Connecticut, 
and he died in England in 1789. 



His public life ended before the close of the Revolution, 



Questions. — 1. How did the British Parliament act? What folly did the king and parliament exhibit ? 
2. How did the Continental Congress act? What agent was appointed, and what did he accomplish? 
What bond of union was made ? 



196 



THE REVOLUTION. 



pointed a regular embassy' [Sept. 22] to the court of France, and finally sent 
agents to other foreign courts."- They also planned, and finally executed meas- 
ures for strengthening the bond of union between the several colonies, already 

made powerfully cohesive by commmon dangers 
and common hopes. Articks of Confed'eration, 
which formed the organic laws of the nation 
until the adoption of the Federal Constitution, 
were, after more than two years' consideration, 
approved by Congress. ^ and produced vastly 
beneficial results during the remainder of the 
struggle. 

3. Congress, we have observed,^ delegated 
^- all military power to Washington, and ho 
used it with energy and discretion. We left 
him at Trenton, prepared to act oftensively or 
defensively, as circumstances should require. 
He was joined by some troops under generals 
Mitliin and Cadwallader, who came fiom Bor- 
dentown and Crosswicks, on the night of the 
first of January. Yet with these, his eftective force did not exceed five thou- 
sand men. Toward the evening of the 2d of January, 1777, Cornwallis, with a 
strong force, approached from Princeton, and after some skirmishing, the two 
armies encamped on either side of a sm^ill stream which runs through the town, 
within pistol shot of each other. Wasliington commenced entrenching his camp, 
and Cornwallis, expecting reinforcements in the morning, felt sure of his prey, 
and deferred an attack for the night. 

4. The Americans were in a most perilous situation. A conflict with such 
an overwhelming force as was gathering, appeared hopeless, and the Delaware, 
becoming more obstructed by ice every hour, rendered a retreat across it, in 
the event of a surprise, almost impossible. An escape under cover of the night 




PR. FRANKLIX. 



1. The embassy consisted of Dr. Franklin. Silas Peane. and Arthur Lee. Franklin and Lee joined 
Deaiie at Paris, in the middle of necemVier. 1776. Benjamin Franklin was born in Hoston in 1706. He 
was a printer, established himself in Pennsylvania, and for many years before the Revolution, was n-\ 
active public man. and noted philosopher. He was in Europe during most of the Revolution. On his 
return, he was elected governor of Pennsylvania. He died in 1790. Arthur Lee was born in Virgini.s, 
in 1740. and was a bwther of Richard Henry Lee [verse 9, p. 1S7J. He was a fine writer, and waim 
patriot. He died in 1782. 

2. Holland. Spain, and Prussia. 

3. In July. 1775, Pr. Franklin submitted apian of union to Congress. On the 11th of June. 177fi. a com- 
niittee was appointed to di aw up a plan. Their report was laid aside, and not called up ur.iil April. 
1777. From that time mitil the 15tl\ of November following, the subject was debated two or three timi--* 
a week, when thirteen .4 r?u7«'.« o/ (""oH/Vtifni/ion were adopted. The substance was that the thirtec-.i 
confederated States should be known "as the United Stateg of Ainerica ; that nil engitge in a reciprocal 
treaty of alliance and friendship, for mutual advantage, each to assist the other when help should be 
needed ; that each State shculd have the right to regulate its own internal affairs ; that no State should 
separately send or receive embassies, begin any negotiations, contract engagements or alliances, or con- 
clude treaties with any foreign power, without the consent of the general Congress ; that no public offi- 
cer should be allowed to accept any presents, emoluments, office or title from any foreign power ; and 
that neither Congress nor State governments should possess the power to confer any title of nobility ; 
that none of the States should have the right to form alliances among themselves, without the consent 
of Congress ; that they should not have the power to levy duties contrary to the enactments of Con- 
gress ; that no State should keep up a standing army or ships of war, in time of peace, beyond tl'.o 
amount stipulated by Congress ; that when any of the States should raise troops for the common defence, 
all the officers of the rank of colonel and under, should be appointed by the legislature of the State, and 
the superior officers by Congress ; that all the expenses of the war should be paid out of the public 
Treasury ; that t"'ongress abine shoiild have power to coin money, and that Canada might at any lime 
be admitted to the confedc.acy when she felt disposed. The "last clauses were explanatory of the 
power of certain governmental opcranons. and contained details of the same. Such was the form of 
gi>verimient which existed as the basis of our Republic, for almost twelve vears. 

■i. Verse 26, p. 194. 



Qttfstiorw. — X What did Washington and his troops do at Trenton ? 4. What was the situation of the 
Americans ? How did they escape ? What surprised Cornwallis ? 



THIRD YEAR OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. 197 



was the only chance of safety, but the ground was too soft to allow the patriots 
to drag their heavy cannons with them; and could they withdraw unobserved by 
the British sentinels, whose hourly cry could be heard from the camp ? Toward 
midnight the wind changed, and the ground was soon hard frozen. Leaving a 
few to keep watch and feed the camp-fires to allay suspicion, Washington si- 
lently withdrew, with all his army, artillery, and baggage ; and at dawn [Jan. 3, 
1777], he was in sight of Princeton, prepared to tall upon Cornwalhs's reserve 
there.^ The British general had scarcely recovered from his surprise and morti- 
fication, on seeing the deserted camp of the Americans, when the distant boom- 
ing of cannons, borne upon the keen winter air, fell ominously upon his ears. 
Washington and the British reserve were combatting. 

5. Washington did not reach Princeton as early as 
he expected, and instead of surprising the British, 
and then pushing forward to capture or destroy the 
enemy's stores at New Brunswick, he found a portion 
of the troops already on their march to join Corn- 
wallis at Trenton. A severe encounter occurred, 
when the American militia giving way, the British, 
with a victorious shout, rushed forward, expecting 
to produce a general rout. At that moment Wash- 
ington advanced with a select corps, brought order 
out of confusion, and leading on his troops with wav- 
ing sword and cheering voice, turned the tide of 
battle and achieved a victory. The brave general 
Mercer,"^ while fighting at the head of his men, was 
killed, and many other beloved officers were lost on 
that snowy battle-field. 3 Nor was the conflict of 
that morning yet ended. When Cornwallis perceived 
the desertion of the American camp, and heard the 
firing at Princeton, he hastened, with a greater por- 
tion of his troops, to the aid of his reserve, and to 

secure his stores at New Brunswick. The Americans, who had not slept nor 
scarcely tasted food for thirty-six hours, were compelled, just as the heat of the 
first battle was over, to content with fresh troops, or fly with the speed of strong 
men. Washington chose the latter alternative, and when Cornwallis entered 
Princeton, not a " rebel" was to be found. 

6. Too weak to attempt the capture of the British stores at New Brunswick, 
Washington retreated rapidly toward the hill country of East Jersey.* Allowing 
time only to refresh his troops at Pluckemin, he pressed forward to Morristown, 
and there established his winter quarters. But he did not sit down in idleness. 
After establishing small cantonments' at different points from Princeton to the 
Hudson Highlands, he sent out detachments to harass the thoroughly per- 




BATTLE AT PRINCETON. 



1. A brigade under lieutenant colonel Mawhood, consisting of three regiments and three troops of 
dragoons, were quartered there. 

2. Mercer's horse had been shot under him, and he was on foot at the head of his men, when a British 
soldier felled him with a clubbed musket [note 5, p. 177]. Hugh Mercer was a nati%e of Scotland. He 
WHS a surgeon on the field of Culloden, and was pniciising medicine in Fredericksburg, Virginia, when 
the Revolution broke out. He was with Washington in the French and Indian War. He was made 
commander of the living camp in 1776, and at the time of his death was about fifty-six years of ape. 

3. The chief of these were colonels Haslet and Potter, major Morris, and captains Shippen, Fleming, 
and Neal. 

4. Verse 4, p. 119. 

5. Permanent stations for small bodies of troops. 



Qiitstions. — 5. What occurred at Princeton ? What did Cornwallis do ? What was the condition of 
the American troops? 6. What did the Americans do when they left Princeton? What did the Amer- 
icans do during the Winter ? What were the eflects of the American victories? 



198 THE REVOLUTION. 

plexed British. These expeditions were conducted with so much skill and 
spirit, that on the first of March [1777], not a British nor a Hessian soldier could 
be found in JSTew Jerse}-, except at New Brunswick and Amboy.^ Those dread- 
ed battalions which, sixty days before, were all-powerful in New Jersey, and had 
frightened the Continental Congress from Philadelphia, were now hemmed in 
upon the Raritan, and able to act only on the defensive. Considering the 
attending circumstances, this was a great triumph for the Americans. It 
revived the martial spirit of the people and the hopes of all good patriots ; and 
hundreds in New Jersey, who had been deceived by Howe's proclamation, and 
had suffered Hessian brutality, openly espoused the Whig cause. Congress had 
returned to Philadelphia,'- and commenced its labors there with renewed vigor. 

7. The main body of the two armies did not commence the Summer campaign 
until almost the first of June. In the meanwhile, smaller detachments were in 
motion at various points. A strong armament was sent up the Hudson, in 
March, to destroy American stores at Peekskill. The Americans there, under 
the command of general McDougal,^ perceiving a defense of the property to be 
futile, set fire to the stores and retreated to the hills in the rear. The British 
returned to New York the same evening [March 23, 1777]. Almost a month 
afterward [April 13], Cornwallis went up the Raritan from New Brunswick, to 
surprise the Americans under general Lincoln, at Boundbrook. The latter es- 
caped, with difficulty, after losing about sixty men and a part of his baggage. 

8. Toward the close of April [April 25 |, governor Tryon,* at the head of two 
thousand British and Tories, went up Long Island Sound, landed at Compo [April 
26], between Norwalk and Fairfield, marched to Danbury, destroyed a large 
quantity of stores belonging to the Americans, burned the town, and cruelly 
treated the inhabitants. Perceiving the militia to be gathering in great num- 
bers, he retreated rapidly the next morning, by way of Ridgefield. Near that 
village, he had some severe skirmishmg with the militia under generals Wooster, 
Arnold' and Silliman. Wooster was killed,^ Arnold narrowly escaped, but SiUi- 
man, keeping the field, harassed the British all the wa}^ to the coast. At Com- 
po, and while embarking, they were terribly galled by artillery under Lamb.''' 
Tryon lost almost three hundred men during this expedition, and killed or 
wounded about half that number of Americans. His atrocities were never for- 
gotten nor forgiven. 

9. The British were not always the aggressors. Toward the close of May 
[May 22], colonel Meigs, with one hundred and seventy men, crossed Long 
Island Sound in whale-boats, from Guilford, Connecticut, and at two o'clock in 
the morning of the 23d of May, attacked a British provision post at Sagg Har- 

1. The Americans went out in small companies, made sudden attacks upon pickets, out-posts, and forag- 
ing parties, and in this way frightened ihe detachments of the enemy and drove 1hem in to the main 
body on the Raritan. At Springfield, a few miles from Elizabethtown, they attacked a party of Hes- 
sians, who were penetrating the country from Elizabethport [Jan 7, 1777], killed betweeu forty and fifty 
of them, and drove the remainder in great confusion back to Staten Island. A larger foraging party 
was defeated near Somerset couit house [Jan. 20] by about five hundred New Jersey militia under gen- 
eral Dickinson; and Newark, Elizabethtown and Woodbridge, were taken possession of by the patriots. 

2. Verse 24, p. 19.?. ^ 

3. Born in Scotland, and came to America in early childhood. He was a zealous Whig and active offi- 
cer. He rose to the rank of major-general, was a New York State senator, and died in 17>^6. 

4. Verse 27, p. 168. Tryon now held the commission of brigadier in the British army. He was par- 
ticularlv distinguished for his cruelty in several marauding expeditions. We shall meet him again. 

5. He" was one of the most daring of the American office; s. For his gallantry on this occasion, Con- 
gress ordered a horse, richly caparisoned, to be presented to him. 

6. David Wooster was born in Stratford, Conn., in 1710. He was at Louisburg in 1745, became a cap- 
tain in the British army, and was in the French and Indian War. His loss was much deplored. 

7. Verse 23, p. 181. 



Questiom.—l . What movements were made in the spring of 1777 V What can you tell of an expedi- 
tion up the Hudson ? What of another in New Jersey? 8. Can you relate the rircumstances of Try- 
on's expedition to Connecticut? 9. What can you tell of an expedition to Sagg Harbor? What of an 
exploit on Rhode Island? 



THIRD YEAR OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. 199 

bor, on the eastern extremity of Long Island. The}' burned a dozen vessels, 
the store houses and contents, and secured ninety prisoners, without losing a 
man of their own party. For this exploit Congress voted thanks and a sword 
to colonel Meigs. A little later in the season, an equally bold exploit was per- 
formed on Rhode Island. On a dark night in July [July 10], colonel "William 
Barton, with a company of picked men, crossed Narraganset Bay in whale- 
boats, in the midst of the British fleet, stole cautiously to the quarters of gene- 
ral Prescott,! the British commander on Rhode Island, seized him while in bed, 
and carried him in triumph across the bay to Warwick. There a carriage was 
in waiting for him, and at sunrise he was under a strong guard at Providence.^ 
Congress voted Barton an elegant sword. 

10. Washington continued his head quarters at Morristown until near the 
last of May. During the spring he had inoculated a large portion of his troops 
for the small pox; 3 and when the leaves put forth, a fair degree of health pre- 
vailed in his camp, and his army had increased by recruits, to almost ten thou- 
sand men. The movements of the British perplexed him. Burgoyne was as- 
sembhng an army at St. John,^ and vicinity, preparatory to an invasion of New 
York by way of Lake Champlain, to achieve the darhng object of the British 
ministry, the occupation of the country on the Hudson.-^ But whether Howe 
was preparing to co-operate with Burgoyne, or to make another attempt to seize 
Philadelphia,''" Washington could not determine. He prepared for both events 
by stationing Arnold with a strong detachment on the west side of the Dela- 
ware, concentrating a large force on the Hudson, and moving the main body of 
his array to Middlebrook, within ten miles of the British camp at New Bruns- 
wick. 

11. On the 12th of June [1*171], Howe passed over from New York, where 
he had made his head quarters during the Winter, concentrated the main body 
of his army at New Brunswick, and tried to draw Washington into an engage- 
ment by aYeigned movement [June 14, 1777] toward the Delaware. The chief 
remained in his strong position at Middlebrook until Howe suddenly retreated, 
[Jciuo iJj, sent some of his troops over to Staten Island [June 22], and ap- 
peared to be evacuating New Jersey. Washington was deceived. He ordered 
strong detachments in pursuit, and advanced several miles in the same direction, 
with his whole army. Howe suddenly changed front [June 25], and attempted to 
gain the rear of the Americans ; but, after Stirling's brigade had maintained a 
severe skirmish with a corps under Cornwallis [June 26], the Americans regain- 
ed their camp without much loss. Five days afterward [June 30], the whole 
British army crossed over to Staten Island, and left New Jersey in the complete 
possession of the patriots. 

12. On the 12th of July, Burgoyne, with a powerful army," took possession 
of Crown Point^ and Ticonderoga,^ and spread terror over the whole North. At 

1. Terse 10, p. 180. Prescott's quarters were at a house yet [1854] standing, a short distance above 
Newport, and about a mile from the bay. 

2. Prescott was afterward exchanged for general Charles Lee. Note 4, p. 185 ; also verse 5, p. 209. 

3. The common practice of vaccination at the present day, wasthen unknown in this country. Indeed, 
the attention of Jenner, the father of the practice, had the"n just been turned to the subject. It was 
practiced here a year after the close of the war. 

4. Verse 18, p. "180. 5. Verse 27, p. 207. 6. Verse 23, p. 193. 

7. Burgoyne's army consisted of about seven thousand British and German troops, and a large body 
of Canadians and Indians. 

8. Verse 38, p. 152. 9. Verse 32, p. 149. 



Quextion.1. — 10. What was the position and condition of the American army in May, 1777 ? How was 
Wiishington perplexed ? and what did he do? 11. What movements were made by the British? llr.w 
was Washington deceived? What then happened? 12. What was done on Lake Champlain? Uj\v 
did the British P.eet manneuvre? What did the two armies do? Who joined the Americans at Philadel- 
phia ? and what of his history ? 




200 THE REVOLUTION. 

the same time the British fleet at New Tork took such a position as induced 
the behef that it was about to pass up the Hudson and co-operate with the vic- 
torious invader. Finally, Howe left general Clinton in command at New York, 
and embarking on board the fleet with eighteen thousand troops [July 23], he 
sailed for the Delaware. "When "Washington comprehended this movement, he 
left a strong force on the Hudson, and with the main body of his troops pushed 
forward to Philadelphia. There he was saluted by a powerful ally, in the per- 
son of a stripling, less than twenty years of age. He was a wealthy French 
nobleman, who, several months before, while at a dinner with the duke of 

Gloucester,* first heard of the struggle of the Amer- 
icans, their Declaration of Independence, and the 
preparations made to crush them. His young soul 
was fired with aspirations to give them his aid ; and 
quitting the army he hurried to Paris. Although he 
had just married a young and beautiful girl, and a 
bright career was opened for him in his own country, 
he left aU, and hastened to America in a vessel fitted 
out at his own expense. He offered his services to 
the Continental Congress,- and that body gave him 
the commission [July 31] of a major-general. Three 
days afterward [Aug. 3], he was introduced to 
"Washington at a public dinner, and within less than 
GENERAL LA FATETTE. forty days hc was gallantly fighting [Sept. 11] for 

freedom in America, on the banks of the Brandy- 
wine. That young general was the Marquis de La Fayette, 3 whose name is 
forever linked with that of "Washington and Liberty. 

13, Howe did not go up the Delaware, but ascended Chesapeake bay, and 
at its head, near the village of Elkton, in Maryland, he disembarked [Aug 25], 
and marched toward Philadelphia. "Washington had advanced beyond the 
Brandywine creek, and took post a few miles from Wilmington. Howe's supe- 
rior force compelled him to fall back to the east side of the Brandywine ; and 
at Chad's Ford, several miles above "Wilmington, he made a stand for the de- 
fense of Philadelphia. At that point the Hessians under Knyphausen,^ at- 
tacked the left wing of the Americans [Sept. 11, 1777], commanded by "W'ash- 
ington in person; while Howe and Cornwallis, crossing the stream several 
miles above, fell upon the American right, under general Sullivan, near the 
Birmingham meeting house.-^ The contest raged fearfully during the whole 
day. At night the shattered and defeated battalions of patriots, retreated to 
Chester, and the following day [Sept. 12] to Philadelphia. Many brave men 
were killed or disabled on that sanguinary field. La Fayette was severely 

1. The Duke was the brother of the king of England, and at the time in question, was dir.ing with 
some French officers, in the old town of MentE, in Germany. 

2. Verse 33, p. 171. 

3. He was born on the 6th of September, 1757. He married the daughter of the Duke de Noailles, a 
beautiful heiress, at the age of eighteen years. He first lauded on ilie coast of South Carolina, and 
made a land journey to Philadelphia. His application was not received at first, by the Continental Con- 
gress, but when his true character and designs were known, they gave him a major-general's commis- 
sion. He was afterward an active patriot in his own country in many perilous scenes. He visited 
America in 1824^'5 [verse 11, p. 282], and died in 18.34, at the age of nineiy-seven years. The baron de 
Kalb [verse 8, p. 224] and eleven other French and Polish ofiicers, came to America in La Fayette's 
vessel. 

4. Verse 20, p. 191. 

5. This was (and is yet) a Quaker meeting-house, situated a few miles from Chad's.Ford, on the road 
from JeCferis's Ford (where Howe and Coruwallis crossed) to Wilmingtui;. 



Question. — 13. What course did the British take? What happened near the Brandywine creek? 
What can you tell of the battle ? 



THIRD YEAR OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. 201 



wounded ;' and the patriots lost full twelve 
made prisoners. The British lost almost 
of success more on ac- 
count of false intelli- 
gence, by which he was 
kept in ignorance of the 
approach of the British 
on his left, than by want 
of skill or force.2 

14. Having rested a 
few days, Washington 
crossed the Schuylkill, 
and proceeded to con- 
front Howe, who was 
making slow marches 
toward Philadelphia. 
They met [Sept. 16] 
twenty miles west of that 
city, and some skirmish- 
ing ensued ; but a heavy 
rain prevented a general 
battle, and the Ameri- 



hundred men, killed, wounded, and 
eight hundred. Washington failed 




BATTLE AT THE BRANDTWINE. 



cans withdrew toward 
Reading. Gleneral 
Wayne, in the meanwhile, was hanging upon the rear of the enemy with about fif- 
teen hundred men. On the night of the 20th, he was surprised by a party of Brit- 
ish and Hessians under general Grey, near the Paoli Tavern, and lost about three 
hundred of his party.3 With the remainder he joined Washington, then near 
Valley Forge. 

15. The Americans had collected a large quantity of ammunition and military 
stores at Reading ; and as the movement of Howe indicated an intention to 
seize them., Washington abandoned Philadelphia and took position at Pottsgrove, 
thirty-five miles distant, to protect those indispensable materials for his army. 
Howe crossed the Schuylkill [Sept. 23, IV 7 7], near Norristown, and marched to 
the Federal city^ [Sept. 26], without opposition. Congress fled at his approach, 
first to Lancaster [Sept. 27], and then to York, where it assembled on the 30th, 
and continued its session there until the following Summer. The main body of 
the British army was encamped at Germantown, four miles from Philadelphia, 
and Howe prepared to make that city his Winter quarters.^ 

16. A few miles below Philadelphia, on opposite sides of the Delaware, were 
two forts of considerable strength (Miflfiin and Mercer), garrisoned by the 



1. A bullet passed through his leg. He was conveyed to Bethlehem, in Pennsylvania, where the Mo- 
ravian sisters nursed him during his confinement. Count Pulaski began his military career in the 
American army, on the field of Brandy wine, where he commanded a troop of horse, and after the battle 
he was promoted to the rank of brigadier. He was slain at Savannah. See Note 3, p. 219. 

2. The building seen in the comer of the map, is a view of the head quarters of Washington, yet [1854] 
standing, a short distance from Chad's Ford. 

3. The bodies of fifty-three Americans, found on the field the next morning, were interred m one 
broad grave ; and forty years afterward the " Republican Artillerists" of Chester county, erected a neat 
marble monument over them. 

4. Philadelphia, New York, and Washington, have been, respectively, federal cities, or cities where 
the federal Congress of the United States assembled. 

5. Note 1, p. 208. 



Questions.— 14. What movements were made by Washington ? What happened to troops under Wayre ? 

15. Why did Washington encamp at Pottsgrove ? What did general Howe do ? What did Congress do? 

16. How was the approach to Philadelphia by water, guarded ? What cau you tell of occurrences on tha 
Delaware? 

9* 



20: 



THE REVOLUTION". 



Americans. "Whilo the British army was marching from the Chesapeake^ to 
Philadelphia, the fleet had sailed around to the Delaware, and had approached 
to the head of that hay. These forts connnanded the river ; and a chevaux-de- 
frise'- just below them, completely obstructed it, so that the army in Philadel- 
phia could obtain no supplies from the fleet. The possession of these forts was 
imi^ortant, and on the 22d of October, they were attacked by detachments sent 
by Howe. Port Mercer was assailed by two thousand Hessian grenadiers under 
Count Donop.'^ They were repulsed by the garrison of less than five hundred 
men under lieutenant colonel Greene, after losing their commander^ and almost 
four hundred soldiers. The garrison of Fort MifiQin, under lieutenant colonel 
Smith, also made a gallant defense, but after a series of assaults by land and 
water, it was abandoned [Nov. 16, 1777.] Two days afterward, Fort Mercer 
was also abandoned, and several British ships sailed up to Philadelphia.5 

17. When Washington was informed of the 
weakened condition of the British army, by the 
detachment of these forces to attack the Delaware 
forts, he resolved to assail the camp at German- 
town. He had moved down the Schuylkill to 
Skippack Creek [Sept. 25], and from that point 
he marched, silently, on the evening of the 3d of 
October, toward the camp of the enemy. He 
reached Chestnut Hill, beyond Germantown, at 
dawn the following morning, and the attack soon 
commenced near there. After a severe battle 
during several hours, the patriots were repulsed, 
with a loss in killed, wounded and prisoners, 
about equal to that at Brandywiue.^ The Brit- 
ish lost only about six hundred. On the 19th, 
Howe broke up his encampment at Germantown. Three weeks afterward, he 
proceeded to place his whole array in Winter quarters in Philadelphia. Wash- 
ington retired to his camp on Skippack Creek; and on the 29th of November, 
prepared to go into winter quarters at White Marsh, fourteen miles from Phil- 
adelphia. 

18. While these events, so disastrous to the Americans, were occurring on 
the Delaware, others of vast importance were transpiring on the banks of the 
Hudson and on Lake Champlain. Burgoyne,^ with more than ten thousand 




BATTLE AT GERMAN'TOW.X. 



1. Verse 13, p. 200. 

2. Chei-aux-dc-r'rise, are obstructions placed in river channels to prevent the 
passage of vessels. They are generalh- made of a sei ies of heavy timbers, point- 
ed wiih iron, and secured at an angle in a strong frame filled with stones, as seen 
in the engraving. The upper figure shows the position under water — the lower 
one shows how tlie timbers are arranged and the stones placed in them. 

3. Verse 24, p. 193. 

4. Donop was terribly wounded and taken to the house of a Quaker near by, 
where he expired threedays afterward. He was bnried wi:hin the fort. A few 
years ago his bones were disinterred, and his skull was taken possession of by a 
New Jersey phvsician. 

5. In the defense of these forts, the Americans lost about three hundred men, 
and the enemv almost double that number. 

6. Washington felt certain of victory at the beginning of the battle. Just as it 
commenced, a dense fog overspread tlie country ; and through the inexperience of 
some of his troops, great confusion, in their movements, was produced. A false 
rumor caused a par.ic among the Americans, just as the British were about to fall 
back, and a general retreat and loss of victory was the result. In Gevmantown, a 
strong stone house is vet [1.S51] standing, which belonged to Judge Chew. This a 
part of the enemy occupied, and from the windows fired with deadly effect upon 
the Americans. 

7. Verse 10, p. 199. 

Qicfstions.—n. What caused Washington to attack the British at Germantown? What can you tell 
of the battle? What did the two armies thend>? 18. What events were occurring elsewhere ? Can 
you tell what happened at Ticonderoga? What did the Americans do? 




CHEVAUX-DE- 
FRISE. 




THIRD YEAR OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. 203 

men, invested Ticondcrog'a on the 2d of July. The fortress Avas garrisoned by- 
general St. Clair, with only about three thousand 
men. Upon Mount Independence, on the op- 
posite side of the lake, was a small fortification and a 
weak garrison.! These conipcjsed the entire force, 
except some feeble detachments tf militia, to op- 
pose the invaders. On the approach of Burgoyne, 
St. Clair- left his outworks, gathered his force near 
the fortress, and prepared for an assault ; but 
when, on the evening of the 5th, he saw the scar- 
let uniforms of the British on the top of Mount 
Defiance,^ and a battery of heavy cannons planted 
there, ^ more than five hundred feet above the 
fort, he knew resistance would be vain. That 
evening he sent his ammunition and stores up the glnkkal st. claik. 

lake to Skenesborough,5 and under cover of the 

darkness, silently crossed over to Mount Independence, and commenced a re- 
treat toward Fort Edward, ^ the head-quarters of general Schuyler, who was 
then in command of the northern army, 

19, The light of a burning building, fired on Mount Independence, dis- 
covered their flight to the enemy, and a strong party was immediately sent in 
j)ursuit." At dawn, the British flag was waving over Ticonderoga; and a httle 
after sunrise [July 7, 1177], the rear division of the flying Americans, under col- 
onel Seth Warner,^ were overtaken in Hubbardton, Vermont, and a severe engage- 
ment followed. The patriots were defeated and dispersed, and the victors re- 
turned to Ticonderoga.9 Before sunset the same evening, a flotilla of British 
vessels had overtaken and destroyed the Americans' stores which St. Clair had sent 
up the lake, and also another large quantity at Skenesborough, The fragments 
of St. Clair's army reached Fort Edward on the 12th, thoroughlv dispirited. 
Within a week, the Americans had lost almost two hundred pieces of artillery, 
and a large amount of provisions and militarj^ stores. 

20. Even with this reinforcement, Schuyler had only about four thousand ef- 
fective men — a number totally inadequate to combat with those of Burgojme. 
He therefore sent a strong party toward Skenesborough to fell huge trees across 
the roads, and to destroy all the bridges so as to obstruct the march of the in- 
vaders, while he slowly retreated down the Hudson valley to the mouth of the Mo- 

1. During the previous years, the Americans constructed a picketed fort, or stockade [note 5, p. 
139] on that eminence, built about three hundred huts or barracks, dufc sevc: al wells, and placed bat- 
teries [note 5, p. 102] at different points. The remains of these are now [1854] everywhere visible on 
Mount Independence. This was so called because the troops took possession of it on the 4th of July, 
1776. Verse 10, p. 187. 

2. Arthur St. Clair was a i:ative of Scotland, and came to America with admiral Boscawen, early 
in May 17o5. He served under Wolfe ; and when the Revolution broke out, he entered the American 
army. He served during the war, and afterward, and died in 1818, at the age of eighty-four years. 

.3. This is a hill about 750 feet in height, situated on the south-west side of the outlet of Lake 
George, opposite Ticonderoga. 

4. With immense labor, Hiirgoyne opened a road up the northern slope of Mount Defiance, and drag- 
ged heavy artillery to the summit. From that point every ball might be hurled within the fort below, 
without diificulty. 

5. Now Whitehall. It was named after Philip Skene, who settled there in 1764. The narrow part 
of Lake Champlain, from Ticonderoga to Whitehall, was formerly called Wood Creek (the name of the 
stream that enters the lake at Whitehall), and also Sout?i liiver. 

6. Verse 17, p. 14.3. 

7. These consisted of the brigade of general Fraser, and two Hessian corps. 

8. Verse 7, p. 175. 

9. The Americans lost, in killed, wounded and missing, a little more than three hundred ; the British 
reported their loss at one hundred and eighty-three. 

Questions. — 19. Wliat discovered the retreat of the Americans? What then occurred? What disasters 
befell ihi; Americans? 20. What was the condition of the American army? and what did Schuyler do? 
How was his army increased ? 



20^ 



THE EEVOLUTION. 



hawk, and there estabUshed a fortified camp.' His call for aid was nobly respond- 
ed to, for the whole country was thoroughly aroused to a sense of peril. Detach- 
ments were sent from the regular army to strengthen him : and soon general 
Lincoln came with a large body of New England militia. When general Gates 
arrived, to take the chief command, -he found an army of thirteen thousand men, 
ready to meet the invader. 

21. Burgoyne did not reach Fort Edward^ until the 30th of July.^ His army 
was worn down by fatigue, and his provisions were almost exhausted. To re- 
plenish his stores, he sent five hundred Germans. Canadians and Tories, and 
one hundred Indians, under Colonel Baume, to seize provisions and cattle which 
the Americans had collected at Bennington, thirty-tive miles distant. Colonel 
John Stark had called out the Xew Hampshire niihtia: and near Hoosick, 

within five miles of Bennington, they met [Aug. 
16] and defeated the marauders. And toward 
evening when another German party under col- 
onel Breyman. approached, they also were de- 
feated by a continental force under colonel Seth 
"Warner.' Many of the enemy were killed, and 
a large number were made prisoners. Burgoyne's 
entire loss in this expedition, was almost a thou- 
sand men. The Americans had one hundred kill- 
ed, and as many wounded. This defeat was thtal 
to Burgoyne's future operations"" — this victory was 
a day star of hope to the Americans. Applause of 
the Xew Hampshire militia rang through the land, 
and Stark was made a brigadier in the continental 
army. 

22. At this time, the Mohawk valley was a scene 
of great confusion and alarm. St. Leger and his sav- 
ages, joined by the Mohawk Indians, under Brant." 




JOSEPH BRAST. 



?:--V 



1. Thaddeus Kosciuszko, a Polish refugee, who oanie -with 
Lafayette l verse V2. p. lihlj, wjis now attached to Schuyler's 
army, as ensriueer. Under his diivction, the intrenchments at 
the mouth of the Mohawk river we.e constructed : also, those 
at Stillwater and Saratoga. The camp at the mouth of the 
Mohawk wivs upon islands just below the Great, or Cohoes' Falls. 

2. General Schuyler had superseded Gates in June. The lat- 
ter had a strong party of friends in Congress, and the coni- 
maud of the northern army was ungenerously taken from 
Schuyler at the moment when, by great exertions and through 
great hardships, he had a force prepared to confront Bur- 
goyne. with some prospect of success. 

3. It was while Burgoyne was approaching that point, that 
Jaue M'Crea, the betrothed of a young Tory in the Bri;isli 
army, was shot, while being conveyed by a party of Indians 
from Fort Edward to the British camp. Her death was charg- 
ed upon the Indians, and it was made the subject of the most 
bitter denunciations of the British Ministers, for employing 
such cruel instrumentalies. The place of her death is a short 
distance from the village of Fort Kdward. The pine tree which 
marked the spot, decayed a few years since, and in 1S53. it was 
cut down, and converted into caiies and boxes for the curious. 

4. He was obliged to construct forty bridges on the way. and to remove the many trees which lay 
across the roads. To estimate the fatigue which the troops must have endured during that hot mor.th. 
it must be remembered that each soldier bore a weight of 60 pounds, iuarms, accoutrements and supplies. 

5. Verse 7. p. 175. and verse 19. p. aXi. 

6. It dispirited his troops, who were worn down with the fatigue of the obstructed march from 
Skenesborough to Fort Edward. It also caused a delay of a month at that place, and in the meanwhile, 
their provisions were rapidly dmiinishing. While at Fort Edward, Burgoyne received intelligence of 
the defeat of St. I.eger [verse 22, p. 2l>4] at Fort Stauwix. 

7. Joseph Bnmt was a Mohawk Indian, and a great favorite of Sir William Johnson. He adhered to 
the British, and went to Canada after the war, where he died in lSi>7. aged sixty-five years. 




KOSCirSZKO. 



Quf^ioiK<. — 21. Wh.it was the condition of the British army? What enterprise was undertaken? and 
what was the result ? 22. Wliui occurred iu the Mohawk vallev ? 



THIRD YEAR OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. 205 



and Tories, under Johnson' and Butler, had arrived from Oswego, and invested 
Fort Schuyler [Aug. 3, 1771]. The garrison was commanded by colonel Gan- 
sevoort, and made a spirited defense. G-eneral Herkimer rallied the militia of 
his neighborhood ; and while marching to the assistance of Gansevoort, he 
fell into an Indian ambuscade [Aug. 6J at Oriskany.2 His party was totally de- 
feated, after a bloody conflict, and himself mortally wounded. On the same day, 
a corps of the garrison, under colonel "Willet, made a successful sortie, ^ and 
broke the power of the besiegers. Arnold, who had been sent by Schuyler 
to the relief of the fort, soon afterward approached, when the besiegers 
fled [Aug. 22], and quiet was restored to the Mohawk valley, 

23. Burgoyne was greatly perplexed. To retreat, 
advance, or remain inactive, seemed equally perilous. 
With little hope of reaching Albany, where he had 
boasted he would eat his Christmas dinner, he cross- 
ed the Hudson and formed a fortified camp on the 
hills and plains of Saratoga, now the site of Schuyler- 
ville. General Gates advanced to Bemis's Heights,* 
a little above Stillwater, and also formed a fortified 

camp.5 Burgoyne 
perceived the ne- 
cessity for immedi- 
ate operations, and 
advancing toward 
the American 
camp, a severe but 

indecisive action ensued [Sept. 19, 1777]. Night 
terminated the conflict, and both parties claim- 
ed the victory.^ Burgoyne fell back to his camp, 
where he resolved to await the arrival of ex- 
pected detachments from general Clinton, 
who was to attack the posts on the Hudson 
Highlands, and force his way to Albany.^ 
But after waiting a few days, and hearing 
nothing from Clinton, he prepared for another 
BEMIS'S HEIGHTS. attempt upou the Americans, for the militia 





UENERAL BURGOYNE. 



1. Sir William Johnson [verse 19, p. 144] (now dead) had been a 
sort of autocrat amonj? the Indians and Tories in the Moliawk val- 
ley. He flattered the chiefs in various ways, and through them, he 
obtained almost unbounded influence over the tribes, especially that 
of the Mohawk,<!. He was in the habit of giving those chiefs, who 
pleased him, a diploma, certifying their good character, and faithful- 
ness to his majesty. These contained a picture, representing a treaty 
council, of which the annexed engraving is a copy. His family were 
the worst enemies of the Americans during the war, in that region. 
His son, John, raised a regiment of Tories, called the Johnson Greens 
(those who joined St. Leger) ; and John Butler, a cruel leader, was at 
the head of another band, called Butler's Rangers. These co-operated 
with Brant, the great Mohawk sachem, and for years they made the 
Mohawk valley and vicinity, a scene of terror. These men were the 
allies of St. Leger on the occasion in question. 

2. The place of the battle is about halfway between Utica and Rome, 
site of Fort Stanwix, built bv Bradstreet and his troops in 1758 [verse 33, p. 150]. It was repaired and 
garrisoned in 1776, and its name was changed to Fort Schuyler. Another Fort Schuyler was built during 
the French and Indian war, where Utica now stands. 

3. Notes, p. 181. 

4. About four miles north of the village of Stillwater, and twenty-five north of Albany. 

5. The remains of some of the intrenchments were yet visible in 1850, when the writer visited the locality. 

6. The number of Americans engaged in this action, was about 2.500; that of the British was about 
3,000. The former lost, in killed, wounded and missing, 319 ; the British loss was rather less than 500. 

7. Verse 27, p. 207. 




A TREATY. 



The latter village is upon the 



Question. — 23. How was Burgoyne perplexed? 
What can you tell of two battles that ensued ? 



What movements were made by the two armies? 



206 THE EEYOLUTION. 

were flocking to Gates's camp, and Indian warriors of the Six Xatioxs.^ were 
gathering there. His own forces, on the contrary, were liourlr duninishing. As 
his star, which arose so brightly at Ticonderoga,"- began to dechne upon the 
Hudson, the Canadians and his Indian alhes deserted him in great num- 
bers.3 He was compelled to fight or flee. Again he advanced ; and after a 
severe battle [Oct. 7 ] of several hours, almost on the same ground occupied on 
the 19th of September, he was compelled to M\ back to the heights of Sara- 
toga, and leave the patriots in the possession of the field. Ten days afterward 
[Oct. 17], finding only three days' provisions in his camp, hearing nothing of 
Clinton, and perceiving retreat impossible, he was compelled to surrender his 
whole army prisoners of war.^ Of necessity, the forts upon Lake Champlain 
now fell into the hands of the patriots. 

24. This was a glorious victory for the Americans. It gave them a fine train 
of brass artillery, five thousand muskets, and a vast amount of munitions of 
war. Its moral eftect was of greater importance. All eyes had been anxiously 
turned to the army of the Xorth. and Congress and the people listened eagerly 
for every breath of rumor from Saratoga. How electric was the eftect when a 
shout of victory came from the camp of Gates ! ^ It rolled over the land, and 
was echoed from farrows, workshops, marts of commerce, the halls of legisla- 
tion, and from the shattered army of "Washington at "Whitemarsh.'' Toryism 
stood abashed; the bills of Congress rose twenty per cent, in value:' private 
capital came from its hiding-places, for public employment ; the militia flocked 
to the standards of leaders, and the great patriot heart of America beat with the 
strong pulsations of hope. 

25. The eSect in Europe was also favorable to the Americans. The highest 
hopes of the ministers rested on this expedition, and the generalship of Bur- 
goyne justified their expectations. It was a most severe blow, and gave the op-_ 
position in parliament the keenest weapons. Pitt, leaning upon his crutches,^ 
poured forth eloquent denunciations [December, 1777] of the mode of warfare 
pursued — the employment of German hirelings,^ and brutal savages.^'' "If I 
were an American, as I am an Englishman."" he exclaimed, ''while a foreign 
troop was landed in my country, I never would lay down my arms — never, 

1. Terse 5, p. IS. 2. Terse 18, p. 202. 

3. The Indians had been disappointed in their expectations of blood and plunder ; and now was their 
hunting season, when provisions must be secured for winter use. The Canadians saw nothing but de- 
feat in the future, and left the army in whole companies. 

4. The whole number surrendered was 5.791. of whom 2,412 were Germans or Hessians [verse 2. p. 
183], under the chief command of the Baron Reidesel, whose wife accompanied him, and afterward 
wrote a very interesting account of her experience in America. Burgojiie did dine at Albany [verse 23, 
p. 2tl5]. but as a prisoner, though a guest at the table of general Schuyler. His troops were marched to 
Cambridge, with the view of sending them to Europe, but Congress thought it proper to retain them, 
and they were marched to the interior of Virginia. John Burgoyne was a son of Lord Bingley. On his 
return to England, he resumed his seat as a member of parliament, and opposed the war. He died in 
1792. 

5. General Gates was so elated with the victory, which had been prepared for by general Schuy- 
ler, and won by the valor of Arnold and Morgati [verse 23, p. 181], that he neglected the courtesy 
due to the commander-in-chief, and instead of sending his despatches to him, he sent his aid, coloiiel 
Wilkinson, with a verbal message to Congress. That body also forgot its dignity in the hour of its 
joy, aud the young orficer was allowed to announce the victory himself, on the floor of Congress. In 
his subsequent despatches. Gates did not mention the names of Arnold and Morgan, Congress voted a 
gold medal to Gates. 

6. Verse 17, p. 202. 7- Note 2, p. 183. 

8. Xote 10. p. 173. 

9. Verse 2, p. 183. 

10. A member justified the employment of the Indians, by saying that the British had a right to use 
the means "which God and nature had given tliem." Pitt scornfully repeated the passage, Rnd 
said, '■ These abominable principles, and this most abominable avowal of them, demands most decisive 
indignation. I call upon that riarht reverend bench (pointing to the bishopsi, those holy ministers of 
the gospel, and pious pastors of the church — I conjure themto joiu in the lioly work, and to vindicate 
the religion of their God.'' 



Questions. — 24. Wliat were the effects of Burgorne's defeat, in America? 25. What were the effects 
of the victory, in Europe? What occurred in the British parli.iment ? 



FOUETH YEAR OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. 207 

never, never!" In the Lower House, ^ Burke, Fox, and BaiTc were equally se- 
vere upon the government. 

26. This victory weighed mightily in favor of the Americans, at the court of 
France. Unaided by any foreign power, they had defeated and captured a well- 
trained army of about six thousand men. " Surely such a people possess the 
elements of success, and will achieve it. We may now safely strike England a 
severe blow,^ by acknowledging the independence, and forming an alliance with 
her revolted colonies," argued the French government. And so it did. Within a 
little more than a hundred days after Burgoyne laid down his arms at Saratoga, 
France had formed an alliance with the United States [Feb. 6, 1778], and pub- 
licly avowed it. 

27. General Clinton attempted co-operation Avith Burgoyne, but too late for 
success. He ascended the Hudson with a strong force, captured the Highland 
forts^ [Oct. 6, 1776], and sent a marauding expedition above these mountain 
barriers, to devastate the country [Oct. 13], and endeavor to draw off some of the 
patriot troops from Saratoga^. They burned Kingston, and penetrated as far 
as Livingston's manor, in Columbia county. Informed of the surrender of 
Burgoyne, they hastily retreated, and Clinton and his army returned to New 
York. Some of Gates' troops now joined Washington at Whitemarsh.5 Howo 
made several attempts to entice the chief from his encampment, but without 
success.^ Finally Washington moved from that position [Dec. 11], and went 
into winter quarters at Valley Forge, where he might easier afford protection to 
Congress at York, and his stores at Reading.'' The events of that encampment 
at Valley Forge, afford some of the gloomiest, as well as some of the most 
brilliant scenes in the records of American patriotism. 



^» ♦ »^ 



SECTION V. 

FOURTH TEAR OF THE WAR FOR IXDEPENDEXCE, [1778.] 

1. In the bosom of a rugged gorge on the banks of the Schuylkill, twenty 
miles north-west of Philadelphia, the American army was encamped during the 

1. Note 4, p. 104. 

2. France rejoiced at the embarrassments of England, on account of her revolted colonies, and from 
the beginning secretly favored the latter. She thought it inexpedient to aid the colonies openly, until 
there appeared some chance for their success, yet arms and money were secretly provided, for a long 
time previous to the alliance. Her motives were not the benevolent ones to aid the patriots, so much as 
a sellish desire to injure England for her own benefit. A Bourbon (.the family of French kings) was 
never known to be an honest advocate of free principles. 

3. Forts Clinton and Montgomery, situated on opposite sides of a stream which forms the dividing 
line between Orange and Rockland counties. Fort Independence, near Peekskill, and Fort Constitu- 
tion, opposite West Point, were abandoned on his approach. Fort Putnam, at West Point, was not yet 
erected. 

4. While the garrisons of the two forts (who escaped) were re-gathering back of New Windsor, a 
man from the British army was arrested on suspicion of being a spy. He was seen to swallow some- 
thing. An emetic brought it up, and it was discovered to be a hollow silver bullet, containing a despatch 
from Clinton to Burgoyne, written on thin paper. That bullet is yet in the family of George Clinton, 
who was the first republican governor of New York. 

5. Verse 17, p. 202. 

6. Howe marched out to attack Washington on the 4th of December, expecting to take him by sur- 
prise. A Quaker ladv of Philadelphia, who had overheard British officers talking about this enterprise, 
at her house, gave Washington timelv information, and he was too well prepared for Howe, to fear his 
menaces. After some skirmishes, in "which several Americans were lost, Howe returned to Philadelphia. 

7. Verse 15, p. 201. 



Qtif:<ition.i.—2B. What effect did the victorv have in France? What did the French government do ? 
27. Wliat did general ("linion do ? What diifan expedition up the Hudson accomplish ? What occurred 
near Whitemarsh? What did Washington do? 1. What can you tell of the encampment at Valley- 
Forge ? How did the Americans sntTer ? By what were they cheered ? 



208 



THE REVOLUTION". 



severe winter of 1777-78. Many of the soldiers had marched thither from 
"Whitemarsh, barefooted, and left bloody foot-prints in the snow on their dreary 
journey. There, half-clad and scantily fed, they shivered in rude huts, while 

the British army was indulging in comforts and 
luxuries within a large city.^ Yet that freezing 
and starving army did not despair, nor did the 
commander-in-chief, who shared their priva- 
tions and suffered injury at the hands of in- 
triguing men,'- lose confidence in the patriotism 
of the people or his troops, or doubt the wisdom 
of Providence.3 The winter wore away, and 
when the buds began to burst, a cheering ray 
of glad tidings came from Europe. The intelli- 
gence of the treaty of alliance with France, 4 
was a hopeful assurance of success, and when 
the news spread through the camp [May 1,1778], 
shouts loud and long shook the forests which 
shrouded the liiEs around Valley Forge.^ 

2. Light also emanated from the British 
throne and parliament. The capture of Bur- 
goyne and the general failure of the campaign 
for 1777, made the Enghsh people, and a pow- 
erful minority in parliament, clamorous for 
peace and reconciliation. Lord North, the 
prime-minister,^ was compelled to listen. To 
the astonishment of everybody, he proposed 
[Feb. 17] a repeal of all the acts of parliament obnoxious to the Americans, 
which had been enacted since 1763 ; and in the course of his speech in favor of 
his conciliatory plan, he actually proposed to treat the continental Congress as a 
legal body. Two bills expressing these conciliatory measures, were passed 
after much opposition, ^ and received the signature of the king [March 11]. 
Commissioners'^ were appointed to proceed to America to negotiate for peace 
with Congress, and the British government seemed really anxious to ofier the 
ohve branch, without qualification. But the Americans had been too often de- 




ENCAMPMENT AT VALLEY FORGE. 



1. The power of the British army was very much weakened by indulgence, during that Winter. Profli- 
gacy begat disease, crime, and insubordination. The evil effects produced upon the army, led Dr. 
Franklin to say "Howe did not take Philadelphia — Philadelphia took Howe." General Howe took 
leave of the army in May, and the officers gave him a splendid farewell fete, which was called a Mis- 
chianza, signifying a medley. For a full description, see Lossing's Field Book of the Revolution, 
p. 3G2. 

2. During this season, a scheme was formed among a few ofiBcers of the army, and members of Con- 
gress, for depriving Washington of his command, and giving it to Gates or Lee. One of the chief ac- 
tors in the plot was general Conway, an Irishman, who belonged to the continental army. The plot 
was discovered and defeated, and Conway was led to make a most humble apology to Washington, for 
his conduct. 

3. On one occasion, Isaac Potts, whose house was Washington's head quarters at Valley Forge, dis- 
covered the chief in a retired place, pouring out his soul in prayer to his God. Potts went to his wife 
and said, " If there is any one on this earth, to whom the Lord will listen, it is George Washington." 

4. Verse 26, p. 207. 

5. On the 7th of May the army fired salutes in honor of the event, and by direction of the chief, they 
all shouted, Huzza for the king of France ! 

6. Verse 29, p. 169. 

7. Pitt was favorable to these bills, but when a proposition was made to acknowledge the independence 
of the colonies, and thus dismember the British empire, he opposed the measure with all his might. He 
was in favor of reconciliation, not of separation. It was during his speech on this subject, that he was 
seized with the illness [April 7] which terminated his life a month afterward. Pitt was born in Novem- 
ber, 1708, and died on the 11th of May, 1778, when almost seventy years of age. 

8. Earl of Carlisle, George Johnstone, and William Eden. 



Question. — 2. What was done in England ? What did parliament do? How did the Americans treat 
the whole matter ? 



FOURTH YEAR OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. 209 

ceived to accept anything confidingly from that source,. and as soon as these 
bills reached Congress [April 15], and it was found that they made no mention 
of the independence of the colonies, that body at once rejected them as decep- 
tive. "When the commissioners came [June 4], Congress refused to negotiate 
with them until Grreat Britain should withdraw her fleets and armies, or unequiv- 
ocally acknowledge the independence of the United States. After unsuccess- 
fully appealing to the American people, and one of them endeavoring to bribe 
members of Congress,' the commissioners returned to England, and the war 
went on. 

3. The first movement of the French government, in compliance with the re- 
quirements of its treaty with the United States, was to despatch a squadron 
under count D'P^staing, to blockade the British fleet in the Delaware.'^ When, a 
month before he sailed, the British ministry was ofiBcially informed [March 17, 
1778] of the treaty, and it was considered equivalent to a declaration of war, 
a vessel was despatched with a message to the British commanders, ordering 
them to evacuate Philadelphia and the Delaware, and to concentrate their forces 
at New York. Fortunately for Lord Howe, he had left the Delaware a few days 
before the arrival of D'Estaing^ [July 8, 1778], and found safety from the heavy 
French vessels, in the waters of Amboy or Raritan Bay. 

4. Sir Henry Clinton succeeded Sir William Howe^ in command, toward the 
close of May, and on the 18th of June, he withdrew his whole army from Phila- 
delphia. With eleven thousand men, and an im- 
mense baggage and provision train, he started for 
New York, by the way of New Brunswick and 
Amboy. Washington was on the alert, and 
breaking up his encampment at Yalley Forge,^ he 
pursued Clinton with more than equal force.^ By 
adroit movements, detachments of the American 
army so intercepted Clinton's march, as to compel 
him to change his course in the direction of Sandy 
Hook, while New Jersey mihtia continually 
harassed his flanks and rear.'^ Finally a general 
engagement took place [June 28, 1778] on the 
plains of Monmouth, in the present village of general clinton. 
Freehold, in New Jersey. 

5. It was Sabbath morning, and one of the sultriest ever known, when the 

1. Among those who were approached, was general Joseph Reed. To Mrs. Ferguson, the lady who 
was made tlie vehicle of a proposition to give him fifty thousand dollars, and a lucrative olfice, if he 
would favor the views of the commissioners, he said, " Ja»i not worth purchamng , but such as Jam, the 
king of England is not rich enough to do it." 

2. It consisted of twelve ships of the line, and four large frigates. 

3. Silas Deane [p. 195] returned to America in D'Estaing's flag ship, and Gerard, the first French min- 
ister to the United States, came in the same vessel. Congress was now in session in Philadelphia, hav- 
ing returned from York [verse 15, p. 201] on the 30th of June, twelve days after the British had left for 
New York. 

4. Howe was made a baronet, and called Sir William, because of his success (such as it was) in the 
battle at Brooklyn, in August, 1776 [see p. 189]. Clinton was a son of George Clinton, governor of the 
province of New York in 1743, and a grandson of the earl of Lincoln. After the war he was made gov- 
ernor of Gibraltar [1795], and died there the same year. 

5. Verse 1, p. 208. 

6. Arnold was yet quite lame from the effects of a severe wound in the leg, which he received in the 
battle of Bemis's'Heights [verse 23, p. 205], and at his solicitation, Washington left him in command of 
a corps at Philadelphia, with the powers of a military governor. Washington crossed the Delaware in 
pursuit of Clinton, with a little more than 12,000 men. 

7. Washington was anxious to attack Clinton, when he was in the vicinity of Allentown, but Lee and 
otliers overruled his opinions in a council of war. Greene, La Fayette, and Wayne agreed with the 
chief, and supported by these able officers, he resolved on a general engagement. 

Questions.— ii. What did the French government do ? What did the British do ? 4. Who succeeded 
Howe, and what did he do? How did the Americans annoy the British? 5. What can you tell of the 
battle of Monmouth ? What did general Lee do ? What movements were made by Clinton and Wash- 
ington ? 




210 



THE KEVOLUTIOK. 




..'Mmmni^j^p 










■, \3RlTlSV»^i 



MONMOUTH 



BATTLE OF MONMOUTH. 



two armies met in conflict, and from nine o'clock in the forenoon, until dark of 
that long summer day, the terrible contest raged. It was commenced by the 
advanced division of the American army, under general Charles Lee.' His ap- 
parent want of skill or courage, and a misunderstanding of orders on the part 
of some of his officers, produced a general and tumultuous retreat of his division. 

The fugitives were met by 
the approaching main body, 
under Washington,- and 
being speedily checked and 
restored to order by the 
chief, they were led to ac- 
tion, and the battle became 
general. Many fell under 
the excessive heat of the 
day, and when night came, 
both parties were glad to 
rest. The Americans slept on their arms^ during the night, with the intention 
of renewing the battle at dawn, but when hght appeared, the British camp was 
deserted. Clinton had silently withdrawn [June 29], and was far on his way 
toward Sandy Hook. Washington did not follow, but marching to New Bruns- 
wick, and thence to the Hudson river, he proceeded to White Plains,^ where he 
remained until late in Autumn. Then he crossed into New Jersey, and made 
his winter quarters at Middlebrook,^ on the Raritan. Clinton's shattered forces 
went on board the British fleet at Sandy Hook, and proceeded to New York, 
where the head quarters of the royal army continued until the close of the war.s 
6. When D'Estaing appeared off Sand}^ Hook, the British fleet was safe in 
Raritan Bay, for the bar from the Hook to Staten Island, would not allow the 
heavy French vessels to pass. D'Estaing therefore relinquished his design of 
attacking Howe's fleet, and on the solicitation of Washington, he proceeded to 
Newport, to assist the Americans in an attempt to drive the British from Rhode 
Island.'' General Sullivan had been sent to supersede general Spencer in com- 
mand there, and Washington also despatched La Eayette, with two continental 
regiments (accompanied by general Greene, then quartermaster general), to aid 
in the expedition. John Hancock^ came at the head of Massachusetts militia, 
and similar troops gathered at Tiverton, from Connecticut and Rhode Island.'' 



1. [Verse 5, p. 185]. This command was first given to La Fayette, biit when Lee signified his readi- 
ness to lead it, it was given to him, as he was the senior officer. 

2. Washington was greatly irritated when he met the fugitives, and riding np to Lee, he addressed 
him with much warmth of language, and direclcd him to assist in restoring order. Lee promptly 
obeyed, but the sting of Washington's words rankled in his bosom, and on the day after the battle he 
addressed an oifensi ve letter to the chief. Lee was arrested and tried by a court-martial, on the charges 
of disobedience of orders, misbehavior before the enemj% and disrespect to the commander-in-chief. He 
w!is found guilty, and was suspended from command for one year. He never entered the army again, 
a;id died in obscurity in Philadelphia, in October, 1782. He was brave, but bad in manners and morals, 
profane in language, and a contemner of religion. It is believed that he was willing to have Washing- 
ton lose the battle of Monmouth, because he (Lee) was opposed to it, and at the same time was seeking to 
rise to the chief command upon the ruins of Washington's reputation. The place where Washington 
and Ijce met on the battle-field of Monmouth, is indicated by the black spot on the above map, marked 
f. The battle occurred a short distance from the Freehold Prcsbj-terian Church, yet [1854] standing. 

3. This expression is used respecting troops who sleep with all their accoutrements on, and their 
weapons by their side ready for action in a moment. The British left about three hundred killed on the 
field of battle. They also left a large number of the sick and wounded to the mercy of the Americans. 
The Americans lost in killed, wounded and missing, two hundred and twenty-eight. Many of the miss- 
ing afterward rejoined the ar*ny. Thev had less tlian seventv killed. 

4. Verse 19, p. 191. 5. Verse 10, p. 199. 6. Verse 2, p. 239. 7. Verse 22, p. 192. 

8. Verse 10, p. 187. 

9. The people of Rhode Island had suffered dreadfully from the brutality of the British troops. There 



qn6stiom.—Z. How was the British fleet favored? What did the French fleet do? What occured on 
Bhode Island? 




FOURTH YEAH OF THE WAR FOR INDEPE2s^DENCE. 211 

Oa the 9th of August [11 18], the whole American force crossed from Tiverton 
to the nortli end of Rhode Island, and the British guards tied to the camp of 
general Pigot, at Newport. 

7. The British fleet was reinforced by several ships of war from I]ngland, and 
a few days after D'Estaing sailed for Newport,' a large squadron under Howe, 
proceeded to the relief of Pigot. It appeared off Rhode Island on the same 
day [Aug. 9] when the Americans landed on the northern end of it. D'Estaing, 
who was within the harbor, went out to meet Howe, 
but before they came to an engagement, a terrible 
storm arose [Aug. 12], and scattered and disabled 
both fleets.- The French squadron returned to 
Newport [Aug. 20], and immediately sailed for Bos- 
ton to be repaired. The Americans had then ad- 
vanced almost to Newport, with every prospect of 
making a successful siege. They had been promised 
four thousand land troops from the French fleet. 
These were denied them ; and refusing to listen to 
entreaties or remonstrances, D'Estaing sailed for 
Boston, and abandoned the Americans.^ The latter 
hastily withdrew to the north end of the island, 
[Aug. 28], pursued by the British, and a severe en- co^nt d'estaing. 
gagement took place [Aug. 29] at Quaker Hill. 

Sullivan repulsed the British, and on the night of the 30th, withdrew his whole 
arm}^ to the main, near Bristol, in time to avoid an interception by Sir Henry 
Clinton, who had just arrived with four thousand troops, in light vessels.^ The 
Americans lost in this expedition, thirty killed, and one hundred and seventy- 
two wounded and missing. The British loss was about two hundred and 
twenty. 

8. During the Summer of 1778, the Wyoming, Mohawk, Schoharie and 
Cherry vallies, were made the theatres of terrible scenes of blood and devastation. 
Tories from distant Niagara,' and savages upon the head waters of the Susque- 
hanna, gathered at Tioga early in June ; and at the beginning of July, eleven 
hundred of these white and dusky savages, under the general command of col- 
onel John Butler,^ entered [July 2, 1778] the lovely valley of Wyoming. Most 
of the strong men were away on distant duty, and famihes and homes found dc- 

had been some amelioration of their condition since the capture of Presco't [verse 9, p. 1081, and under 
the rule of Pigot, the present commander. When success seemed posi^ible, thousands of volunteers 
Hocked to the standards of Sullivan and La Fayette. John Hancock was appointed a general of some 
of these volunteers. 

1. Verse 6, p. 210. 

2. Very old people on Rhode Island, who remember this gale, yet [1854] speak of it as " the great 
storm." So violent was the wind, that it brought spray from the ocean a mile distant, and encrusted 
the windows of the town with salt. 

3. This conduct was warmly censured by the American commanders, because it had no valid excuse. 
It deprived them of a victory "just within their grasp. Congress, however, afraid to otfend the French, 
uttered not a word of blame. The matier was passed over, but not forgotten. Once again [verse 
15, p. 2191, the same admiral abandoned the Americans. D'Estaing was a native of Auvergne, 
France. He became involved in the French Revolution in 17?2, and in the Spring of 1793, was guillo- 
tined. The guillotine was an instrument for cutting off the head, invented by M. Guillotine. 

4. When Clinton was assured of the security of Rhode Island, he detached general Grey on a ma- 
rauding expedition upon the southern shores of Massachusetts, and amorg the adjacent islands, and 
then returned to New York. Grey burned about 70 vessels in Buzzard's Bay, near New Bedford, and 
in that vicinitv destroyed property valued at more tliisn ?323,000. He then went to Martha's vineyard 
[verse 27, p. 40], and carried awav for the army in New York, about 300 oxen and WJMM) sheep. On 
the first of October, Clirion ser.t"a successful expedition to capture American stores at Little Kgg Har- 
bor, on the New Jersey coast. 

5. Verse 30, p. 152. 6. Note 1. p. 205. 



Que.otionK.—l . What mval epgaffcraent took place? What calamity hafpened ? How did D'Estairg 
treat the Americans? What did they do ? and what did they avoid ? 8. What did the Tories aud In- 
dians do ? What occurred in the Wyoming valley ? 



212 THE KEVOLUTION. 

fenders only in aged men, tender youths, resolute women and a few trained sol- 
diers. These, about four hundred strong, under colonel Zebulon Butler, ^ 
marched up the valley [July 4], to drive back the invaders. But they were 
terribly smitten by the foe, and a large portion of them were slain or made pris- 
oners. A few escaped to Forty Fort, near "Wilkesbarre, wherein famihes, for 
miles around, had sought safety. 

9. The night of the battle-day, was a terrible one for the people in the fort ; 
but their agony of suspense was ended the following morning, when the leader 
of the invaders agreed upon humane terms of surrender.- The gates of the fort 
were thrown open, and most of the famihes returned to their homes in fancied 
security. They were doomed to terrible disappointment and woe. Brant, the 
great Indian leader, was not there to restrain his savage bands, and their thirst 
for blood and plunder soon overcame all their allegiance to their white com- 
mander. Before sunset they had scattered over the valley ; and when night 
fell upon the scene, the blaze of more than twenty dweUings cast its lurid glare 
over the paradise of yesterday. The cries of the murdered went up from almost 
every house and field ; and when the moon arose, the terrified inhabitants were 
fleeing to the Wilkesbarre mountains, and the dark morasses of the Pocono 
mountain beyond. In that vast wilderness between the valley and the Dela- 
ware, appropriately called the Shades of Death, many women and children, who 
escaped the hatchet, perished by hunger and fatigue.3 

10. Brant, ^ in the meanwhile, was leading or sending war parties through the 
country south of the Mohawk river; and the Johnsons, ^ and their Tory adher- 
ents, were aUies of the savages in the Mohawk valley. A party of Tories, under 
Walter N. Butler,^ accompanied by Indians, under Brant, fell like lightning upon 
the settlement of Cherry YaUey [Xov. 11-12, 1178]. Many of the people were 
killed or carried into captivity ; " and for months, no eye was closed in security 
at night, within an area of a hundred miles and more, around this desolated vil- 
lage. Try on county, as that region of New York was then called, was a " dark 
and bloody ground" for full four years, and the records of the woes of the 
people have filled volumes.^ 

11. When the fourth year of the war [1778] drew to a close, the British 
army had accomplished very little more in the way of conquest, than at 
the end of the second year. The belligerent forces occupied almost the 
same relative position which they did in the Autumn of 1776,9 while 
the Americans had gained strength by a knowledge of military tac- 



1. He was a native of Connecticut, and was born in 1731. He was in the French and Indian war, and 
was a brave soldier. He died in Wyoming in 1795. 

2. All our histories contain horrible statements of the fiend-like character of John Butler, and his un- 
mitigated wickedness on this occasion. They also speak of the " monster Brant " [verse 22, p. 204] as the 
leader of the Indians, and the instigator of the crimes of which they were guilty. Both of these men 
were bad enough ; but recent investigations clearly demonstrate that Brant was not there at all ; and 
the treaty for surrender, which is still in existeuce, granted most humane terms to the besieged, instead 
of the terrible one represented in our histories, as " The Hatchet.^' 

3. The fugitives who escaped from the valley were chiefly natives of Connecticut, and they made 
their way homewards as fast as possible. Many of them crossed the Hudson river at Poughkeepsie, 
where they told their terrible stories, the facts of which were greatly exaggerated by their fears, and 
these were published in HoWs Jourtial, to form a text for a tale of the direst woe for the future his- 
torian. 

4. Verse 22, p. 204. 5. Note 1, p. 205. 

6. He was a son of colonel John Butler, and one of the most brutal of the Tory leaders. He was kill- 
ed by an Oneida Indian in 1781, while fleeing before some Americans. 

7. Among the latter was tlie Hon. James S. Campbell, yet [1854] living in the same village. He re- 
tains a vivid recollection of the terrible events of a two years' captivity. 

8. See Campbell's Annals of Tryon County ; Simms' History of Schoharie County; Stone's Zi/e of 
Brant, &c. 

9. Verse 26, p. 194. 



Questions. — 9. What terrible tragedy occurred ? 10. What did Brant and Butler do? How did the 
people suffer? 11. What was the position and prospects of each army in the Autumn of 1778? 



FIFTH YEAR OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. 213 

tics, I naval operations, and the art of civil government; and they had secured 
the alliance of the powerful European rival of Great Britain,2 and the sympathies 
of Spain and Holland. The British army was hemmed in upon only two islands,^ 
almost two hundred miles apart, and each about fourteen miles in length ; wliile 
the Americans possessed every other stronghold of the country, and were war- 
ring for the dearest rights of common humanity. 

12. D'Estaing sailed for the West Indies [Nov. 3, 1778] in the Autumn, to 
attack the British possessions there. To defend these, it was necessary for the 
British fleet on our coast, to proceed to those waters.^ This movement would 
prevent any co-operation between the fleet and army in aggressive movements 
against the populous and now well-defended North ; they could only co-operate 
in active operations against the sparsely-settled South. These considerations 
caused a change in the plans of the enemy; and late in November [Nov. 27], 
Sir Henry Clinton despatched colonel Campbell, with about two thousand 
troops, to invade Georgia, then the weakest member of the Confederacy. They 
proceeded by water, and landed at Savannah, the capital of the State, on the 
morning of the 29th of December. General Robert Howe' was there, with only 
about a thousand men, and these were dispirited by the failure of a recent expe- 
dition against Florida in which they had been engaged.^ They defended the city 
nobly, however, until an overwhelming force, by power and stratagem, com- 
pelled them to retire. They then fled, in confusion, up the Savannah river, and 
took shelter in the bosom of South Carolina. The capital of Georgia became 
the head-quarters of the British army at the South ; and the enemy retained it 
until near tlie close of the contest [1782], even when every foot of soil in the 
State, outside the intrenchments around the city, was possessed by the patriots. 



i^ .« ♦ »-.- 



SECTION VI. 



FIFTH TEAR OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE, 



[1779.] 



1. The dawn of 1779 was gloomy with evil forbodings for the patriot cause. 
The finances of the country were in a wretched condition. One hundred mil- 



1. Among the foreign officers who came to America in 1777, 
Was the Baron Steuben.who joined the Continental army at Val- 
ley Forge [verse 1, p. 207]- He was a veteran from the armies 
of Frederick the Great of Prussia, and a skilful disciplinarian. 
He was made Inspector-General of the army ; and the vast ad- 
vantages of his military instruction were seen on the field of 
Monmouth [verse 5, p. 210], and in other subsequent conflicts. 
He died in the interior of New York in 1795. 

2. Verse 26, p. 207- 

3. Manhattan or York Island, and Rhode Island. 

4. Admiral Hotham sailed for the West Indies on the third of 
November : and early in December, admiral Byron, who had just 
succeeded Lord Howe in chief naval command, also sailed for 
that destination. 

6. Verse 25, p. 182. 

6. A great number of Tories were organized in Florida, and 
committed so many depredations upon the settlers on the Georgian 
frontiers, that Howe, during the summer of 1778, went thither to 
disperse them. He penetrated to the St. Mary's river [June], 
where he awaited reinforcements and supplies, by water. Want 
of co-operation on the part of the governor of Georgia and the 
naval commander, produced much disunion ; and sickness soon 
reduced the number of effective men so much, that the enter- 
prise was abandoned. 




BAKON STEUBE.N. 



Qu€f!(ion.i.—\2. WTiat caused an expedition lobe sent against Georgia? What did it accomplish? 
1. What was the financial condition of the Americans in 1779 ? What made the future appear gloomy r 



214 THE KEVOLUTIOX. 

lions of dollars of continental money' were afloat without the security of even 
good public credit;- and their value was rapidly depreciating.^ Only small 
sums had been obtained, by loan from Europe, and a general tax, imposed by 
Congress upon the respective States, was of little avail. No French army was 
yet upon our soil to aid us, nor had French coin yet gladdened the hearts of un- 
paid soldiers. A French fleet had indeed been upon our coasts,-* but had now 
gone to fight battles for France in the West Indies, after mocking our hopes 
with broken promises of aid.'5 

2. A plan for invading Canada and the eastern British provinces, and for seiz- 
ing the British posts on the western lakes, Ivad^ been matured by Congress and 
the Board of War,^ in the autumn of 1778, but when it was submitted to Wash- 
ton, his sagacious mind perceived its folly, and the influence of his opinions 
caused an abandonment of the scheme. For several weeks the commander-in- 
chief co-operated with Congress [Jan. 1779] in person, in preparing a plan for 
the campaign of 1779. It was finally resolved to act on the defensive, except 
in retaliatory expeditions against the Indians and Tories in the interior.'' This 
scheme promised the most beneficial results, for it would be safer and less ex- 
pensive, than ofl'ensive warfare. 

3. The principal military operations of the j^ear were carried on in the two 
extreme sections of the confederacy. The chief efforts of the Americans were 
directed to the confinement of the British army to the seaboard, and chastising 
the Indian tribes. The winter campaign opened by CampbelP [Dec. 29, 1778], 
continued until June, and resulted in the complete subjugation of Georgia to 
British rule. 

4. Soon after the fall of Savannah, general Prevost marched from Florida, 
captured [Jan. 9, 1779] the American fort at Sunbury,^ and assumed the chief 
command of the British forces in the South. In the meanwhile. General Lin- 
coln had been appointed [Sept. 1778] commander-in-chief of the southern army 
of patriots.'" He made his head quarters at Purysburg [Jan. 6], twenty-five 
miles above Savannah, and there commenced the formation of an army, com- 
posed of some continental regiments, new recruits and the broken forces of 
general Howe.'* While Lincoln was collecting his forces on the Carolina 
bank of the Savannah, Campbell marched'- up the Georgia side to Augusta, for 

1. Page 183. 

2. Robert Morris of Philadelphia, who was the chief financial agent of the government during the 
Revolution, was a wealthy meichant, with almost unlimited credit. At the period in question, when 
Congress could not borrow a dollar on its own credit, Robert Morris found no difficulty in raising mill- 
ions upon his own. For a long time he alone furnished the " hard money" which government used. 

3. Note 2, p. 183. During this year the Briti^h government caused an immense amount of counter- 
feit continental bills to be made, and sent to New York. These were scattered by thousands over the 
country, and caused tmiversal suspicion of the genuine. By this trick, the true bills were much de- 
preciated, but the worst feature of the transaction was the great loss to innocent individuals who had 
taken the spurious ones. 

4. Verse?, p. 211. 5. Verse 12, p. 21.3. 

6. On the 12th of June 1776, Congress appointed a committee to be styled the " Board of War and 
Ordnance," to have the general supervision of military affairs. John Adams was the chairman, and 
Richard Peters was secretary. Peters was the real " Secretary of War" until 1781, when he was suc- 
ceeded by general I^incoln. Gates was chairman in 1778. 

7. Verses 13, 14, p. 218. 8. Verse 12, p. 213. 

9. About twenty-eight miles southward from Savannah. It was an important post, and with it fell 
the hopes of the Republicans in East Georgia. 

10. Benjamin IJncoIn was born in Massachusetts, in 1733. lie was a farmer. He ioined the conti- 
nental army in 1777, and rose rapidly to the station of major-general. lie commanded the militia against 
Shay's insurgents [Note 5, p. 242] iu 1786. He was also a useful public officer in civil atiairs, and died in 
1810. 

11. Verse 12, p. 213. 

12. When Campbell departed for Augusta, Prevost sent colonel Gardiner with some troops, to take pos- 
session of Port Royal Island, some sixty miles below Charleston, preparatory to a march upon that 



Questions.— 2. What plan was arranged? and how was it defeated? What did Washington and Con- 
gress do? 3. What were the chief fcntnres of the campaign of 1779? 4. What movements were made 
m ueorgia t What did Lincoln a:id Campbell do ? What did Tories do? and how were they served ' 




FIFTH YEAR OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. 215 

the purpose of eucouraging the Tories, opening a 
communication with the Greek Indians^ in the west, 
(among whom the British had active emissaries) 
and to awe the "Whigs. At tlie same time a band 
of Tories, under colonel Boyd, was desolating the 
Carolina frontiers, while on their march to join 
the royal troops. When within two days' march 
of Augusta,- they were attacked [Feb. 14, 1779], 
and utterly defeated by colonel Pickens, at the 
head of the militia of Ninety-six.^ Boyd and sev- 
enty of his men were killed, and seventy-five 
were made prisoners.* Pickens lost thirty-eight. 

5. The defeat of Boyd alarmed Campbell and 
encouraged Lincoln. The latter sent general ge.neeal lincolx. 
Ashe, with about two thousand men,' to drive 

Campbell from Augusta, and to confine the invaders to the low, sickly sec- 
tions near the sea. The British fled [Feb. 13, 1779] at the approach of Ashe, 
and were pursued by him [Feb. 16] as far as Brier Creek, about forty miles be- 
low Augusta, where he halted to establish a camp. There Ashe^ was surprised 
and defeated [March 3] by general Prevost, and lost almost his entire army by 
death, captivity and dispersion. Some were killed, others perished in the mo- 
rasses, and many were drowned in attempting to escape across the Savan- 
nah." This blow deprived Lincoln of one fourth of his array, and led to the tem- 
porary re-establishment of royal government in Georgia.^ 

6. Toward the last of April, Prevost crossed the Savannah [April 27] with 
two thousand regulars, and a large body of Tories and Creek Indians, and 
marched for Charleston. Lincoln had recruited, and was now in the field with 
about five thousand men, preparing to recover lost Georgia, by entering the 
State at Augusta, and sweeping the country to the sea. But when he discov- 
ered the progress of Prevost, and that even the danger of losing Savannah did 
not deter him from his attempts upon Charleston, Lincoln hastened to the relief 
of the menaced city. The people on the fine of his march, hailed him as a de- 
liverer, for Prevost had marked his progress by plunder, conflagration and cru- 
elty. Fortunately for the Republicans, his march was so slow, that when he ar- 
rived [May 11] before the city, the people were prepared for resistance. 

7. On the morning of the 11th of May, Prevost approached the American in- 
city. Gardiner was attackerl bv general Moultrie wilh Charleston militia, on the morning of the 3d of 
February. Almost everv Biitish officer re.xcept the commaiulei) and many pi ivales were killed. Gar- 
diner and a few men escaped in boats, and Moultrie, whose loss was trifling, joined Lincoln at Purys- 
burg. 

1. Verse 2, p. 21. 

2. On Kettle creek in Oglethorpe county, Georgia. 

3. Verse 12, p. 234. ^ , ^ 

4. Seventy of them were tried and found guilty of treason, and sentenced to be hung. Only five were 
executed • 

5. Lincoln was joined by generals Ashe and Rutherford with North (Carolina regiments, about the 
first of February, and his army now amounted to little more than three thousand men. 

6. John Ashewas born in England in 1721, and came to Ame: ica when a child. He was engaged in the 
Brgulator War [verse 27, p. 168j and was one of the most active of the North Carolina patriots. He died 
of small pox in 1781. 

7. About one hundred and fifty killed and drowned, eighty-nine made prisoners, and a large number 
who were dispersed, did not take up arms again for several months. _ 

8. At the beginning of 177fi. the bold Whigs of Savannah had made governor Sir James Wright a 
prisoner in his own house; and the provincial assembly, assuming {rovcrnmental powers, made provis- 
ions for military defence, i.^sued bills of credit. Ac. [Feb., 1776]. Wright escaped and went to England. 
He returned in July, 1779, and resumed his office as governor of the " colony." 



Qiiestiont>.—5. What did the defeat of the Tories effect? What can you tell of general Ashe's 
movements? What misfortune occr.rred? 6. What movements were made ag.ainst Charleston? ^^ hat 
did Lincoln and Prevost dr,? 7. What occurred at Charleston ? What did the people expect? How 
were they disappointed ? What skirmish occurred ? and what result followed ? 



216 THE REVOLUTION. 

trenchments thrown across Charleston Necki and demanded an immediate sur- 
render of the city. He was answered by a prompt refusal, and the remainder 
of the day was spent in preparations for an assault. That night was a fearful 
one for the citizens, for they expected to be greeted at dawn with bursting 
bomb-shells,2 and red hot cannon balls. When morning came [May 12, 1779], 
the scarlet uniforms of the enemy were seen across the waters upon John's 
Island, and not a hostile foot was upon the Charleston peninsula. Prevost had 
been informed of the approach of Lincoln, and at midnight he commenced a re- 
treat to Savannah, by way of the islands along the coast. For more than a 
month some British detachments lingered upo» John's Island. Then they were 
attacked at Stono FerryS [June 20] by a part of Lincoln's army, but after a se- 
vere engagement, and the loss of almost three hundred men in killed and 
wounded, they repulsed the Americans, whose loss was greater. Prevost soon 
afterward established a military post at Beaufort, on Port Royal Island,-! and 
then retreated to Savannah. The hot season produced a suspension of hostili- 
ties in the South, and that region enjoyed comparative repose for several months. 

8. While these events were in progress at the South, Sir Henry Clinton was 
sending out marauding expeditions from New York, to plunder and harass the 
people on the sea coast. Governor Tryon' went [March 25, 1779] from Kings- 
bridge^ with fifteen hundred British regulars and Hessians," to destroy some 
saltworks at Horseneck, and attack an American detachment under general 
Putnam, at Greenwich. The Americans were dispersed [March 26], and Put- 
nam barely escaped capture by some dragoons.^ He rallied his troops at Stam- 
ford, pursued the British on their return towards New York the same evening, 
recaptured a quantity of plunder in their possession, and took thirty-eight of 
them prisoners. 

9. In May, Sir George Collier entered Hampton Roads^ [May 9], with a 
small fleet, bearing general Mathews, "with land troops, destined to ravage the 
country in that vicinity. They spread desolation on both sides of the Elizabeth 
river, from the Roads to Norfolk and Portsmouth. After destroying a vast 
amount of properity, they withdrew ; and at the close of the month, they were 
up the Hudson river, assisting Sir Henry Clinton in the capture of the fortress at 
Stony Point [March 31], and also the small fort on Yerplanck's [June 1] Point, 
opposite. Both these posts feU into the power of the British, after a spirited 
resistance. 



1. Charleston, like Boston [note 2, p. 173], is situated npon a peninsula, tlie neck of which is made 
quite narrow by the A!^hley and Cooper rivers and the mart-hes. Across this the Americans had hastily 
cast up embankments. These served a present purpose, and being strengthened, were of great value to 
the Americans the following year. See verse 2, p. 221. 

2. Hollow balls or shells of cast iron, filled wi:h gunpowder, slugs, Ac. In an orifice communicating 
with the powder, is a slow match. This is ignited, and the shell is hurled from a mortar (a short can- 
non) into the midst of a town or an army. When the powder ignites, the shell is bursted into frag- 
ments, and these with the slugs make terrible havoc. They are sometimes the size of a man's head. 

3. Ten miles south-west from Charleston. 

4. Note 5, p. 125. 5. Verse 8, p. 198. 

6. The passage across the Harlem river at the upper end of York or Manhattan Island. 

7. Note 2, p. 183. 

8. On this occasion he performed the feat of descending a steep hill on horseback, making his way, as 
common history asserts, down a flight of stone steps, which had been constructed for the convenience 
of people who had to ascend this hill to a church on its summit. The whole matter is an exaggeration. 
An eye witness of the event says that Putnam pursued a zig-zag course down the hill, and only descend- 
ed four or five of the steps near the bottom. The feat was not at all extraordinary when we consider 
that a troop of dragoons with loaded pistols were at his heels. These, however, dared not follow the 
flying general. 

9. Verse 23, p. 50. This is -t body of water at the conjunction of the James and Elizabeth rivers, and 
communicating with the sea. It is one of the most spacious harbors in the world. The village of Hamp- 
ton lies upon its northern border. See verse 25, p. 182. 



Questions. — 8. What was Sir Henry Clinton attempting? What occurred at Greenwich? 9. What 
depredations were committed in Virginia? What occurred on the Hudson river ? 



FIFTH YEAR OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. 217 



10. On the night of the 4th of July [1179], Collier's vessels bore governor 
Trjon, and two thousand five hundred troops, to the shores of Connecticut, to 
plunder and destroy the towns on the coast. They plundered New Haven 
[July 5], and laid Eiist Haven [July 6], Fairfield [July 8], and Norwalk [July 
12] in ashes. Not content with this wanton destruction of property, the invad- 
ers insulted and cruelly abused the defenceless inhabitants ; and the inhuman 
leader (whom the English people abhorred for his wrong-doings in America), 
boasted of his extreme clemency in leaving a single house standing on the 
New England coast.' 

11. Three days after the destruction of Norwalk 
[July 15], general "Wayne was marching secretly 
to attempt the re-capture of Stony Point, on the 
Hudson. The fort stood upon a rocky promon- 
tory, surrounded by water and a marsh, and was 

very strong in its 
position. So se- 
cretly was the 
whole movement 
conducted, that 
the British gar- 
rison were un- 
suspicious of dan- 
ger. At mid- 
night, the little 
army of patriots 
crossed the mor- 
ass in the rear, and attacked the fort with ball 
and bayonet at two separate points, in the faco 
of a heavy cannonade from the aroused garrison. 
At two o'clock in the morning [July 16, 1779], 
"Wayne, though wounded in the head, wrote to 
Washington, "The fort and garrison, with colonel Johnson, are ours." This 
was considered one of the most brilliant events of the war.2 The British lost, in 
killed, wounded and prisoners, about six hundred men ; the loss of the Amer- 
icans was fifteen killed, and eighty-three wounded. The spoils were a large 
amount of military stores. 

12. Three days later [July 19], Major Henry Lee^ surprised a British garrison 
at Paulus' Hook (now Jersey city^), opposite New York, killed thirty soldiers, 
and took one hundred and sixty prisoners. These, and other smaller successes 
about this time, elated the Americans ; but their joy was soon turned into sor- 





STOXY POIMT. 



GENERAL WAYNE. 



1. Allndinisr to these outrages of Tryon, and the burning of Kingston [verse 27, p. 207] by Vaughan, 
Trumbull, in his M'Fingal, says, 

" Behold, like whelps of British lion. 
Our warriors, Clinton, Vaughan and Tryon, 
March forth, with patriotic joy, 
To ravish, plunder, and destroy. 
Great generals ! Foremost in their nation — 
The journeymen of desolation ! " 

2. Wayne was highly complimented by all. Congress gave him thanks, and a gold medal ; and silver 
medals were awarded to colonels Stewart ar.d De Fleury, for their gallantrj- on the occasion. Anthony 
Wayne was born in Pennsylvania in 1745. He was a professional surveyor, then a provincial legislator, 
and became a soldier in 1775. He was very active during the whole war ; and was efficient in subduing 
the Indians in the Ohio country iu 1795. He died on his war home, at Erie, near the close of 1796. 

3. Note 2, p. 233. 4. Note 3, p. 104. 



Questions.— \Q. What expedition went to Connecticut? What outrages were committed? and where? 
11. What brave exploit was performed at Stony Point? and how? 12. What did Major Lee do? \\ hat 
disaster befell the Americans in the East ? - ^ 



218 



THE REVOLUTION. 



row, because of disasters in the extreme East. Massachusetts had fitted out 
almost forty vessels to attempt the seizure of a British post on the Penobscot 
river. The assailants delayed more than a fortnight after their arrival [July 25] 
before determining to carry the place by storm. Just as the troops were about 
to land for the purpose, a British fleet arrived, destroyed the flotilla, took many 
of the soldiers and sailors prisoners, and drove the remainder into the wilder- 
ness [Aug. 13]. These, after great hardships in the forests, reached Boston to- 
ward the close of September. 

13. During the latter half of 1778 and the be- 
ginning of 1779, the patriots gained some important 
advantages in the vast wilderness west of the Alle- 
ghanies. For several years Daniel Boone, ^ and other 
pioneers, had been battling with the Indians, and 
more recently, they had measured strength and 
skill with British leaders. Finally, major George 
Rogers Clarke,'- led a regular expedition against 
British posts in the present States of Indiana and Il- 
linois. He first captured Kaskaskia [July 4, 1778], 
then Cahokia [July 9], and finally Vincennes [Aug.] 
Acting in the capacity of a peace-maker, he was 
working successfully toward the pacification of the 
western tribes, when the commander of the British 
fort at Detroit re-took Vincennes3[Jan. 1779]. With a few men, Clarke trav- 
ersed the dreadful wildnerness of a hundred 
miles from the Ohio ; and on the 20th of Febru- 
ary, again unfurled the stripes and stars over the 
fort at Vincennes^ and a captured garrison. 

14. The atrocities at Wyoming,^ and upon the 
head waters of the Susquehannah, aroused the in- 
dignation of the whole people ; and in the Sum- 
mer of 1779, general Sullivan was sent into the 
heart of the country of the Six Nations, ^ to chas- 
tise and humble them.''' He rendezvoused his 
troops in the Wyoming valley ; and on the last 
day of July, marched up the Susquehannah, with 
about three thousand soldiers. At Tioga Point, 
he met [Aug. 22] general James Chnton,^ who 
came from the Mohawk valley, with about six- general scllivan. 




DANIKL BOONE. 




1 Boone was one of the boldest pioneers of the great West. He went over the mountains ns early as 
1769, and took his family there in 1773. He built a fort on the site of the present Boonesborough, in 1776, 
and his wife and daughters were the first white women ever seen upon the banks of the Kaiii-tuck-ee. 
He did good service in the cause of the patriots, against the Indians, but was afterward treated with in- 
gratitude. He died in 1820, at the age of almost ninety years. 

2. Clarke was a native of Virginia, and was born in 1752. He was the most accomplished and useful, 
in a military point of view, of all the western pioneers, during the Kevolution. He was then a young 
man. He died near Louisville, Kentucky, in 1818. 

3 They traversed the " drowned lands" of Illinois, through ice and snow, for a whole week ; and 
just before reaching Vincennes, they waded through the cold flood that covered the country, more than 
five miles, the water sometimes so deep as to leave only their breasts and head above, dry. 

4. Verse 2, p. 138. 5. Verse 8, p. 211. ^ ,^ „ ^t 

6. Verse 5, p. 18. British emissaries had gained over to the royal mterest, the whole of the Six Na- 
tions except the Oneidas. These were kept loyal to the republicans, chiefly through the mstrument- 
ality of one or two Christian missionaries. ^ . , „ 

7. John Sullivan was born in Maine, in 1740. He was a delegate in the first Continental Congress 
[1774], and was one of the first eight brigadiers in the Continental Array. He resigned his commission in 
1779 ; was afterward a member of Congress, and governor of New Hampshire, and died in 1795. 

8. Was born in Ulster county. New York, in 1736. He was a captain in the French and Indian war, 
and an active officer during the Revolution. He died in 1812. 



Questi(ms.—l?i. What occurred west of the Alleghanies? What can you tell of Clarke's operations? 
14. What aroused the people? What can you tell of Sullivan's expedition? What did it effect ? 



■^^g^^ 



FIFTH YEAR OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. 219 

teen hundred men. They fell upon a body of Indian and Tory savages [Aug. 
29], strongly fortified, at Chemung (now Elmira), and dispersed them. With- 
out waiting for them to rally, Sullivan moved forward, and penetrated the coun- 
try to the Genesee river. In the course of three weeks, he destroyed forty 
Indian villages and a vast amount of food growing in fields and gardens. • It 
was a terrible retribution, yet it did not crush the power of the Indians. They 
were only awed for a time. The chastisement created the most intense hatred 
of the white people of the States throughout all the tribes in the West. They 
vowed vengeance ; and Washington, who directed all the military movements, 
was called by them An-na-ta-kaw-les, or "The town-destroyer." 

15. During the summer of lIVO, Count 
D'Estaing battled successfully with admiral 
Byron, among the West India islands ; and 
early in September, he appeared off the 
coast of Georgia with a powerful fleet, pre- 
pared to co-operate with general Lincoln in 
an attack upon the British at Savannah. 
D'Estaing landed troops and heavy battery 
cannon ; and on the 23d of September, the 
combined armies commenced the siege. 
After making slow progress for a fortnight, 
D'Estaing became impatient of dela}','^ and 
proposed an attempt to take the place by 
storm. It was agreed to, and the assault 
commenced on the morning of the 9th of 
October. After five hours of severe conflict, there was a truce for the purpose 
of burying the dead. Already, nearly a thousand of the French and Americans 
had been killed and wounded.-^ D'Estaing was averse to renewing the assault, 
and made preparations to withdraw. Lincoln yielded an unwilhng assent to 
the movement, and the enterprise was abandoned at the moment when the Amer- 
ican commander felt certain of victory.^ Ten days afterward, the French 
fleet had abandoned the coast, and Lincoln was retreating toward Charleston. 
Thus closed the campaign for 1779, at the South. The repulse at Savannah 
was a severe blow to the hopes of the patriots of Georgia, and spread a gloom 
over the whole South. 

16. Very httle of general importance transpired at the North, after the close of 




SIEGE or SAVANNAH. 1779. 



1. The Seneca Indians were beginning to cnltivate rich open- 
ings in the forests, known as the " Genesee Flats," quite exten- 
sively. They raised large quantities of corn and cultivated 
gardens and orchards. The dwellings were of the rudest charac- 
ter, and their villages consisted of a small collection of these mis- 
erable huts, of no value except for winter shelter. 

2. D'Estaing expressed his fears, not only of the arrival of a 
British fleet, to blockade his own in the Savannah river, but of 
the Autumn storms, which might damage his vessels before he 
could get to sea. 

3. Among the mortally wounded, was count Pulaski, the brave 
Pole whom we first met in the battle on the Brandy wine [note 1, 
p. 201]. He died on board a vessel bound for Charleston, a few 
days after the siege. Serjeant Jasper, whose bravery at Fort 
Moultrie we have noticed [note 5, p. 186], was also killed, while 
nobly holding aloft, upon a bastion of the British works which he 
had mounted, one of the beautiful colors [note 5, p. 186] present- 
ed to Moultrie's regiment by ladies of Charleston. Savannah 
honors both these heroes, by having parks bearing their names. 

4. Verse 7, p. 211. 




tl)L;iT PULAbK.; 



Quest ioai!.—\5. What did D'Estaing do? What occurred at Savannah ? What can you tell of the siege 
and its termination ? 16. What occurred at the North ? What did the French and English governments 
do ? What did Washington and Clinton do ? 



220 



THE REVOLUTION. 



Sullivan's campaign except the withdrawal of the British troops from Rhode 
Island, on the 25th of October. 1779, La Fayette had been in France during 
the Summer, and chiefly through his efforts, the French government had con- 
sented to send another powerful fleet, and several thousand troops, to aid the 
Americans. When informed of this intended expedition, the British ministry 
ordered Clinton to cause the evacuation of Rhode Island,' and to concentrate 
at New York, all his troops at the North. When this was accomplished, Chn- 
ton sailed for the South at the close of the year [Dec. 25], with about five thou- 
sand troops, to open a vigorous campaign in the Carolinas. Washington, in the 
meanwhile, had gone into winter quarters at Morristown.- 

17. Difficulties had gathered thick and fast around Great Britain, during 
1779. Spain had declared war [June 16] against her,^ and a powerful French 
and Spanish naval armament had attempted [August] to effect an invasion of 

England. American and French cruisers were 
hovering around her coasts; and in September 
[Sept. 23] the intrepid John Paul Jones* had 
conquered two of her proud ships of war. after one 
of the most desperate naval fights ever known.' 
In America, there had been very little success 
for the British arms ; and sympathy for the pa- 
triots was becoming more and more manifest in 
Europe. Even a great portion of the inteUigent 
English people began to regard the war as not 
only useless but unjust. Yet in the midst of all 
these difficulties, the government put forth 
mighty energies. Parliament voted eighty-five 
thousand seamen and thirty-five thousand troops 
for general service, in 1780, and appropriated one 
hundred millions of dollars to defray the ex- 
penses. 



"/;i^ 




JOUX PAUL JONES. 



1. A rumor reached the British on Rhode Island, that the new French armament was approaching, 
and so rapid was their retreat that they left behind them all their heavy artillery, and a large quantity 
of stores. 

2. Verse 6, p. 197. Strong detachments were stationed among the Hudson Highlands, and the cavalry 
were cantoned in Connecticut. 

3. Hoping to regain Gibraltar, Jamaica, and the two Floridas, which Great Britain had taken from 
her, Spain made a secret treaty of peace with France in April, 1779, and in June declared war against 
Great Britain. This event was regarded as highly favorable to the Americans, because anything that 
should cripple England, would aid them. 

4. He was born in Scotland in 1747, and came to Virginia in boyhood. He entered the American 
naval service in 1775, and was active during the whole war. He was afterward rear-admiial in the 
Bussian service. He died in Paris in 17S2. 

5. The naval operations during the War for Independence, 
do not occupy a conspicuous place in history, yet they wcte 
by no means insignificant. The Cominental Ccrgress took 
action on the subject of an armed marine, in the Autumn of 
1775. Already Washington had fitted out some aimed ves- 
sels at Boston, and constructed some gun-boats for use iu the 
waters around that city. These were propelled by oars, and 
covered. In November, the government of Mass.tclnisetts 
established a Board of Admiraltt/- A committee on Navr.l 
affairs, of which Silas Deare [verse 2, p. 195] was chairman, 
was appointed by the Continental Congress in October, 1775. Before the close of the yepr. the ecn- 
struction of almost twenty vessels had been ordered by Congress ; rrd the Marine Covwiiltee was so 
re-organized as to have in it a representative from each colony. In November, 1776, a ConfineniaJ J^aTt/ 
Board to assist the Marine Committee, was appointed ; and in October, 1779, a Board of Admiralti/ was 
installed. Its Secretary (Secretary of the Navy) [verse 3. p. 251] was John Brown, until 1771, when he 
was succeeded by general McDougnl [note 3, p. 198]. Robert Morris also acted as authorized _-^^«'< of 
Marine ; and many privateers were fitted out by him on his own account. In November, 1776, Con- 




GO'-BOAT AT BOSTO>". 



Question.— \7. What can you tell of European affairs at this time? What great naval battle occurred ? 
What can you tell of the operations of the United States Navy ? How was the war regarded ? What 
did Parliament do ? 



II 



SIXTH YEAR OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. 



221 



SECTION VII. 

SIXTH TEAR OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. [1780.] 

1. Sir Henry Clinton left the Hessian general, Knyphausen/ in command at 
New York, when he proceeded [Dec. 25th, 1779] southward'^ with the main 
body of his army. To aid the southern patriots, "Washington sent the Baron De 
Kalb^ and others thither, the following Spring [1780], and thus the two armies 
were so much weakened at head quarters, that military operations at the North 
almost ceased during that year. The Carolinas became the chief theatre of 
war, and many and bloody were the acts upon that stage. Invasions from 
without, and the cruelties of Tories* in their midst, made 1780 a year of great 
woe for the patriots and their families in the Carolinas. 

2. CUnton and his forces were borne by a strong fleet with two thousand ma- 




ADMIRAL HOPKINS. 



gress determined the relative rank of the Naval commanders, such 
as admiral equal to a major-general on land : a commodore equal 
to a brigadier-general, &c. The first commander-in-chief of the 
navy, or high admiral, was Esek Hopkins, of Rhode Island, 
whom Congress commissioned as such in December, 1775. He 
first went against Dunmore [verse 25, p. 182] on the coast of Vir- 
ginia. He also went to the Bahamas and captured the town of 
New Providence, and its governor. Sailing for home, he cap- 
tured some British vessels off the east end of Long Island, and 
with these prizes he went into Narraganset Bay. In the mean- 
while, Paul Jones and Captain Barry were doing good service, 
and New England cruisers were greatly annoying English ship- 
ping on our coast. In 1777, Dr. Franklin^ under the authority of 
Congress, issued commissions to naval officers in Europe. Expe- 
ditions were fitted out in French sea ports, and these produced 
great alarm on the British coasts. 

While these things were occurring in European waters, captains 
Biddle, Manly, M'Neil, Hinman, Barry and others, were making 
many prizes on the American coasts. Finally, in the Spring of 
1779, an expedition was fitted out at L' Orient, under the auspices of 
the French and American governments. 
^^ It consisted of five vessels under the 

^J^^ Jj^ SJf^ command of John Paul Jones. They 
^^fP X^ ^^9 sailed first in June, for the British wa- 
__ ■ • •^^ ^grs, took a few prizes and returned. They sailed again in August, and on the 

23d of September, v.-hile off the coast of Scotland, not far above the mouth 
of the Humber, Jones, with his flag ship (the Bonhomme Richard), and two 
others, fell in with and encountered a small British fleet, which was convey- 
ing a number of merchant vessels to the Baltic Sea. An engagement took 
place after night had fallen upon the scene, and for three hours, one of the 
most desperate sea fights on record, raged off Flamborough Head. Jones 
managed to lash the Richard to the British ship Serapis, and with muzzle to 
muzzle they poured broadsides into each other. Three times both ships were 
on fire. The Serapis finally yielded, and ten minutes afterward, the Countess 
of Scarborough, another large English vessel, surrendered. Jones's ship was 
so much injured that sixteen hours after the battle, she went to the bottom of 
the ocean. Congress gave Jones a gold medal for his bravery. Many other 
brave acts were performed by American seamen during the remainder of the 
war. For a condensed account of the whole naval operations of the Revolu- 
tion, and of the " whale-boat warfare" on the coast, see supplement to Loss- 
ing's Field Book of the Revolution. 
1. Verse 20, p. 191. 2. Verse 16, p. 219. 3. Verse 8, p. 224. 

4. At no time during the war were the Tories more active, throughout the 
whole country, than in 1780. They were the most inveterate enemies of 
"//_ /^ the Patriots, and the leaders were in continual correspondence with each 

rT^ ZjL ^/09 other, with the British government, and with the royal commanders in America. 
'• *''^^* Vy Their correspondence was carried on chiefly in cypher writing, understood 
fig (T ^ only bv themselves, so that in the event of their letters falling into the hands 

"Tpy 1^1 ■^^ of the Whigs, their contents would remain a secret. The engraving shows 

/▼ ^^^ v^ the alphabet of the cypher writing of some New York Tories. 






CTPHEB ALPHABET. 



Questions. — 1. What movements were made by the British and Americaii 
troops? What was the situation of the two armies? 2. What can you tell of 
Clinton's southern expedition? What preparations were made for a siege at 
Charleston ? 




222 THE REVOLUTION. 

rines, under admiral Arbuthnot. After encountering heavy storms' they arrived 
on the coast of Georgia in January; and early in February [Feb. 10], pro- 
ceeded against Charleston. Clinton's troops were landed [Feb. 11] upon the 
islands below the city, on the shores of the Edisto inlet, thirty miles distant ; 
but instead of marching at once to make an assault upon the town, the British 
commander prepared for a regular siege. General Lincoln was in Charleston 
with a feeble force, '^ when Chnton landed; and he was about to evacuate the 

city and flee to the interior, when intelligence of 
the tardy plans of the British reached him. He 
then resolved to remain, and prepare for defense. 
Governor Rutledge^ was clothed with all the pow- 
ers of an absolute dictator ; and so nobly did the 
civil and military authorities labor for the public 
good, that when the invaders crossed the Ashley 
[March 29, 1780], and sat down before the Ameri- 
can works on Charleston Neck,-* the besieged felt 
strong enough to resist them. The intrenchments 
had been greatly strengthened, and works of defense 
had been cast up along the wharves, and at various 
points around the harbor. Fort Moultrie^ was 
strongly garrisoned, and commodore Whipple'' was 
GOVERNOR RUTLEDGE. ^^ command of a flotiUa of small armed ships 

in the harbor. 
3. Arbuthnot sailed up the harbor on the morning of the 9th of April,' and sus- 
taining but trifling damage from the guns of Fort Moultrie, anchored within can- 
non shot of the city,^ Clinton in the meanwhile, had erected batteries in front of 
the American lines on the Neck,^ and both commanders joined in a summons for 
the patriots to surrender. Expecting reinforcements from the interior, the people 
of the beleagured city refused compliance, and for more than a month the siege 
went on.i" In the meanwhile, American detachments sent out between the 
Cooper and Santee rivers to keep open a communication with the interior, were 
attacked and defeated by parties of British horsemen," and at the close of the 
month [April, 1780], the city was completely environed by the foe. Cornwallis 
had arrived [April 18], from New York with three thousand fresh troops, and 
all hopes for the patriots faded. 

1. During a severe storm off Cape Hatteras, one vessel, carrying heavy battery cannons [note 5, p. 102] 
■was lost, and almost all the cavalry horses of Tarlefou's legion, perished at sea. Tarleton supplied him- 
self witli otliers, soon after landing, by plundering the plantations near the coast. 

2. During the preceding winter, Lincoln's army had dwindled to a mere handful. The repulse at Sa- 
vannah had so disheartened the people, that very few recruits could be obtained, and when Clinton ar- 
rived, Lincoln' army did not exceed fourteen hundred men in number. The finances of the State were 
in a wretched condition, and the Tories were everywhere active and hopeful. 

3. John Rutledge was born in Ireland, and came to South Carolina when a child. He was one of the 
most active patriots of the South. After the wai he was made a judge of the Supreme Court of the Uni- 
ted States, and also chief justice of South Carolina. He died in 1800. 

4. Note 1, p. 216. 5. Note 5, p. 186. 6. Note 8, p. 168. 

7. He had previously [March 25] crossed the bar, drove Whipple's little fleet to the waters near the 
town, and cast anchor in Five Fathom Hole, not far from St. John's Island. 

8. Whipple could not contend with the strong ships, so he sunk several of his vessels near the mouth 
of the Cooper river, and formed a chevaux-de-frise [note 2, p. 202] to prevent the enemy's ships passing 
beyond the town, so as to enQlade the American works on the Neck. 

9. On Sunday morning, the 1st of April, the British first broke ground in the face of eighty cannons 
and mortars on the American works. 

10. General Woodford had just arrived with seven hundred Virginians, and others from North Caroli- 
na were reported on their way. 

11. On the 14th of April Tarleton defeated colonel Huger on the head waters of the Cooper river, and 
killed twenty-five Americans. On the 6th of May, a party under colonel White, of New Jersey, were 
routed at a ferry on the Santee, with a loss of about thirty in killed, wounded and prisoners. These 
British detachments overran the whole country below the Cooper and Santee, in the course of a few 
days. 

Question. — 3. What occurred at Charleton and vicinity? What of the progress of the siege? 



SIXTH YEAR OF THE "WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. 223 



4. The night of the 9th of May was a terrible one for Charleston. That day 
a. third summons to surrender had been refused, and late in the evening a gen- 
eral cannonade commenced. Two hundred heavy guns shook the city with 
their thunders, and all night long destructive bombshells' were hailed upon it. 
At one time the city was on 




SIEGE OF CHARLESTON, 17 



fire in five difierent places. 
Nor did morning bring relief. 
The enemy had determined 
to take the city by storm. 
The cannonade continued 
all the day, and the fleet 
moved toward the town to 
open a bombardment. At 
two o'clock on the morning of 
the 12th, a proposition for 
surrender was made to Clin- 
ton, and his guns were all 
silenced before daylight. Lin- 
coln and his troops, with a large number of citizens, were made prisoners of war. 
The citizens, and a great number of soldiers, were paroled.2 Altogether, the 
captives amounted to between five and six thousand ;3 and among the spoils of 
victory were four hundred pieces of cannon. 

5. The loss of this southern army was a severe blow for the Republicans. It 
was followed by measures which, for a time, prostrated South Carolina at the 
feet of royal power. With an activity hitherto unusual for the British officers, 
Clinton took steps to secure and extend his conquest, and to re-establish royal 
power in the South. He sent out three strong detachments of his army to over- 
run the country. One under Cornwallis marched up the Santee toward Camden ; 
another under lieutenant colonel Cruger, was ordered to penetrate the country 
to Ninety-six,^ and a third, under lieutenant colonel Brown, marched to Augus- 
t.i,"' ia Ge:)rgla. A general truce was proclaimed, and a pardon to all who should 
accept British protection. The silence of fear overspread the whole country ; 
and mistaking this lull in the storm of war for permanent tranquillity, Clinton 
and Arbuthnot, with a large body of troops, sailed [June 5, 1780] for New 
York. 

6. The lull was of short duration. De Kalb^ did not reach the borders of 
South Carolina until mid-summer, and then not an American was in arms in the 
lower countrv. '' Although Congress had confidence in the skill of De Kalb (who, 



1. Note 2, p. 216. 

2. A prisoner on parole is one who is left free to go anywhere within a prescribed space of country, or 
within a city, under certain restrictions relative to conduct. Prisoners taken in war, are often paroled, 
and allowed to return to their friends, with an agreement not to take up arms. It is a point of honor, 
with a soldier, to " keep his parole," and when such an one is again taken in battle, during the period 
of his parole, he is treated not as a prisoner, but as a traitor. 

3. In violation of the solemn agreement for surrender, Clinton caused a great number of leading 
men in Charleston, to be seized, and carried on board prison ships, where hundreds suffered tortures. 
Many were taken to St. Augustine and immured in the fortress there. 

4. Verse 12, p. 234. 5. Verse 4, p. 214. 6. Verse 1, p. 221. 

7. Amotig the American detachments which had hastened toward Charleston to assist Lincoln, and re- 
treated when they heard of his fall, was that of colonel Buford, consisting of 400 continental infantry, 
and a small troop of cavalry, with two field pieces. He retreated from Camden on Cornwallis' approach, 
and near the Waxhaw Creek, some sixty miles further north, he was overtaken and surprised by Tarle- 
ton and his cavalry. They gave no quarter, but massacred or maimed the larger portion of Buford's 
command. His loss in killed, wounded and prisoners was 313. He also lost his artillery, ammunition, 
and baggage. The cruelty of Tarleton was condemned by British writers themselves. 



Questions. — i. What further can yon tell of the progress and end of the siege? 5. What did the siege 
eHect, and what followed? How was South Carolina subdued? 6. Who had command of the southern 
army f What was the effect of Gates' approach ? What partisans appeared, and what did they do ? 



224 



THE REVOLUTION. 




GENERAL GATES. 



by the capture of Lincoln, became the commander- 
in-chief at the South), jet it was thought best to 
send general Gates ^ thither, because of the influ- 
ence of his name. When it was known that Gates 
was approaching, southern hearts beat high with 
hope, for they expected great things from the con- 
queror of Burgoyne.2 Many patriots, who in their 
extremity, had signed '"paroles" and ' "protections, "^ 
seeing how little solemn promises were esteemed by 
the conqueror, disregarded both, and flocked to the 
standard of those brave partisan leaders, Sumter, 
Marion, Pickens, and Clarke, who now called them 
to the field. While Gates and his army were ap- 
proaching, they were preparing the way for con- 
quest. They swept over the country in small 
bands, striking a British detachment here, and a 

party of Tories there, and soon so effectually alarmed the enemy in the interior, 

as to check the onward progress of invasion. 

7. Sumter^ first appeared in power on the Catawba. Repulsed at Rocky 
Mount [July 30, 1780], on that river, he crossed it, and at Hanging-rock, a few 
miles eastward, he fell upon and dispersed [Aug. 6], a large body of British and 
Tories ; yet, through the folly of his men, he did not secure a victory.' Marion, 
at the same time, was smiting the enemy among the swamps of the lower country, 
on the borders of the Pedee. Pickens was annoying Cruger in the neighbor- 
hood of the Saluda, and Clarke was calling for the patriots along the Savannah, 
Ogeechee, and Alatamaha, to drive Brown^ from Augusta. 

8. Earl Cornwallis was left in chief command at Charleston, and his troops on 
the Santee were entrusted to lord Rawdon. When that general heard of the 
approach of Gates, he gathered all his available forces at Camden, where he 
was soon joined by the earl. Gates came down from the hill country through 
Lancaster district, and on the night of the 15th of August, he marched from his 
camp at Clermont, to surprise the British at Camden. Without being aware 
of this movement, Cornwallis and Rawdon advanced at the same hour to surprise 
the Americans. A little after midnight they met [August 16, 1780] near 
Sanders's Creek, ^ a few miles north of Camden, on the Lancaster road. A shght 




GENERAL SUMTER. 



1. Horatio Gates was a native of England, and was edu- 
cated for military life. He was the first adjutant-general of 
the continental army [note 4, p. 179], and was made ma- 
jor-general in 1776. He retired to his estate in Virginia at 
the close of the war, and finally took up his abode in 
New York, where he died in 1806, at the age of seventy -eight 
years. 

2. Verse 23, p. 205. 3. Verse 4, p. 223. 

4. Thomas Sumter was a native of South Carolina, and 
was early in the field. Ill health compelled him to leave 
the army just before the close of the war, in 1781. He was af- 
terwards Congressman, and died on the High Hills of Santee 
[verse 14, p. 2*35] in 1832, at the age of ninety-eight years. 

5. Having secured a portion of the Briiish camp. Sum- 
ter's men commenced plundering, and drinking the liquors 
found there. They became intoxicated, and were unable to 
complete the victory, yet the British dared not follow Sum- 
ter in his slow retreat. 

6. Terse 5, p. 223. 

". The roads being in deep sand, the footsteps of the ap- 
proaching armies could not be heard by each other. They 
came together in the dark, almost noiselessly, and both 
were equally surprised. 



Quesiions. — 7. What did Sumpter do? What were Marion, Pickens, and Clarke accomplishing? 8. What 
military movement now took place ? What can you tell of a battle near Camden, and its results ? 



SIXTH YEAR OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. 225 



x^'c'-- - 




-. S/fiYlT. 



BRUTISH 




SA^"UEPS'S CREEK. 




BARON DE KALB. 



skirmish between the vanguards ensued, and early in the 
morning a general battle began. After a desperate struggle 
with an overwhelming force, the Americans were compelled 
to yield to the British bayonets in front, and the sabres of 
Tarleton's dragoons on their flanks. The rout became gen- 
eral, and the Americans lost 
in killed, wounded, and pris- 
oners, about a thousand men, 
besides all of their artillery 
and ammunition, and a great- 
er portion of their baggage 
and stores. 1 The British 
loss was three hundred and 
twenty-five. Among the 
killed was the brave baron De 
Kalb,2 whose remains yet lie under a neat monu- 
ment at Camden. 

9. Gates vainly endeavored to rally his flying 
troops, and with a few followers he hastened to 
Charlotte, 3 eighty miles distant. There he con- 
tinued to be joined by officers and men, and he began to hope that another 
army might be speedily collected. But when, a few days after his own 
defeat, he received intelligence that Sumter's force had been nearly anni- 
hilated by Tarleton* [August 18, 1780], on the Fishing Creek, near the Catawba, 

he almost despaired.-^ The victory of the British 
was again complete, and at the close of Summer, 
there were no re- 
publicans in arms in 
South Carolina, ex- 
cept Marion and his 
men. Within three 
months [May 12 to 
August 16], two 
American armies^ 
had been annihilat- 
ed, and one of the 
most formidable par- __ _ 



tisan corps-' scat 

tered to the winds, 
10. Governed by a foolish and wicked policy, ," '''"\ ^ ,', v^' Wi^^.^ 
Cornwallis now proceeded to establish royal au- 
thority, by the most severe measures. Instead of general marion. 

1. General Gates had felt so certain of ricfory, that he had made no provisions for a retreat, or Ihe 
salvation of his stores in the rear. His troops were scattered in all directions. Many were shot down in 
their flight; and even now [1854] bullets are found in the old pine trees on the route of their retreat. Gates 
did indeed, as general Charles Lee predicted he would, "exchange his northern laurels for southern 
willows." 

2. De Kalb was a native of Alsace, a German province ceded to France. He had been in America as 
a secret French agent, about fifteen j'ears before. He came to America with La Fayette in 1777, and 
Congress commissioned him a major-general. He died of his wounds at Camden, three days after the 
battle. La Fayette laid the corner-stone of his monument in 1825. 3. Verse 14, p. 178. 

4. Tarleton was one of the most active and unscrupulous officers of the British army. He was distin- 
guished for his abilities and cruelties during the southern campaigns of 1780-'ril. He was born in Liverpool 
in 1754. He married a daughter of the duke of Ancaster, in 1798, and was afterwards made a major-general. 

5. Sumter himself escaped, but with a loss of fifty men killed and three hundred made prisoners. 
Tarleton took them by surprise, for Sumter had no suspicion of his being in the neighborhood. 

6. Lincoln's and Gates's. 7. Sumter's. 

Qiiestion.t. — 9. What did Gates do ? What events discouraged him ? What was now the condition of the 
Southern patriots? 10. How unwisely and wickedly did Cornwallis act? What did his conduct produce? 

10* 




COLONEL TARLETON. 





226 THE REVOLUTION". 

winning the respect of the people by wisdom and clemency, he thought to sub- 
due them by cruelty. Private riglits were trampled under foot, and social or- 
ganization was superseded by the iron rule of mihtary despotism. ^ His measures 
created the most bitter hatred, and hundreds of patriots, who might have been 
conciliated, were goaded into active warfare by the lash of military power. 
Everywhere the people thirsted for vengeance, and only awaited the call of 
leaders, to rally and strike again for homes and freedom. 

11. Feeling confident of his power in South CaroUna, Cornwallis^ now pre- 
pared to invade the North State. Early in September he proceeded with his 

army to Charlotte, ^ while detachments were out 
in various directions to awe the Republicans and 
encourage the loyalists. While Tarleton was 
operating on the east side of the Catawba, major 
Patrick Ferguson was sent to embody the militia 
who favored the king, among the mountains west of 
the Broad river. Many profligate and worthless 
men joined his standard, and on the first of Octo- 
ber, 1780 he crossed the Broad river at the 
Cherokee ford (Yorkville district), and encamped 
among the hills of King's Mountain, with about 
fifteen hundred men. Several corps of "Whig 
militia united to oppose him,^ and on the 7th of 
LORD coRNWALLis. Octobcr, thcy fell upon his camp on King's Moun- 

tain. A very severe engagement ensued, and the 
British were' totally defeated. Ferguson was slain,'' and three hundred of his 
men were killed and wounded. The spoils of victory, which cost the Americans 
only twenty men, were eight hundred prisoners, and fifteen hundred stand of 
arms. Tliis defeat was to CornwaUis, what the affair at Bennington^ was to 
Burgoyne. 

12. Marion, in the meanwhile, was daily gaining strength in the lower country, 
and greatly annoyed the British detachments there, while Pickens and Clarke 
were hourly augmenting their forces in Georgia and south-western Carolina. 
Sumpter, too, undismayed by his recent defeat, again appeared in the field, ^ and 
other leaders were coming forth between the Yadkin and Broad rivers. Alarmed 
by the defeat of Ferguson, and these demonstrations on flank and rear, Corn- 
waUis withdrew [Oct. 14] to South Carolina, and toward the close of October 
[Oct. 27], made his head-quarters at Winnsborough, midway between the Broad 

1. He issued cniel orders to his subalterns. They ■were directed to hang every militia-man who had 
once served iu Loyalist corps but were now found in arms against the king, and many who had submit- 
ted to Clinton [verse 4, p. 223], and tdken protection, and had remained at home quietly during the re- 
cent revolt, were imprisoned, their property taken from them or destroyed, and their families treated 
with the utmost rigor. See note 2, p. 235. 

2. Charles, earl CornwaUis, was born in Suffolk, England, in 1738. He was educated for military life, 
and commenced his career in 1759. After the revolution in America, he was made governor general of 
India [note 2, p. 169], then lord lieutenant of Ireland, and again governor of India. He died near 
Benares, East Indies, in 1805. 

3. His advanced corps were attacked by the Americans under colonel Davie, on their arrival at Char- 
lotte, but after a severe skirmish, the patriots were repulsed. 

4. These were commanded by colonels Campbell, Shelby, Cleveland, Sevier, Winston, McDowell, 
and Williams ; in all nearly eighteen hundred strong. 

5. On the spot where Ferguson was slain, a plain stone has been erected to the memory of that officer, 
and of Americans who were killed. 

6. Verse 21. p. 204. 

7. Sumter collected a small force in the vicinity of Charlotte, and rcttirned to South Carolina. For 
some weeks he annoyed the British and Tories very much, and CornwaUis, who gave him the name of 



i 



Questions. — 11. What did CornwaUis attempt? What expedition was defeated near the Broad river, 
and how? What of the battle? 12. What were Marion and others doing? What did CornwaUis do, 
and why ? 



II 



SIXTH YEAR OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. 227 

and Catawba rivers, in Fairfield district. Here lie remained until called to the 
pursuit of Greene,' a few weeks later. 

13. While these events were progressing at the South, others of great im- 
portance were transpiring at the North, As we have observed,2 military opera- 
tions were almost suspended in this region during the year, and there were no 
offensive military movements worthy of notice, except an invasion of New Jer- 
sey, in June. Before the arrival of Clinton from Charleston, Knyphausen-' had 
sent general Matthews from Staten Island, with five thousand men, to penetrate 
New Jersey. Tliey took possession of Elizabethtown [June 7], and burned Con- 
necticut Farms ;^ but at Springfield, detachments which came down from Wash- 
ington's camp at Morristown, drove them back to the coast. There they re- 
mained a fortnight. In the meanwhile, Clinton arrived, and joining Matthews 
with additional troops [June 22], endeavored to drav.^ Washington into a gen- 
eral battle, or to capture his stores at Morristown. He failed in both. In a 
severe skirmish at Springfield [June 23], the British were defeated by the 
Americans under general Greene. After setting fire to the village, the enemy 
retreated, and passed over to Staten Island. 

14. A few days after this invasion, the American people were made glad by 
the arrival, at Newport [July 10], of a powerful French fleet, under admiral Ter- 
nay, bearing six thousand land troops under the count de Rochambeau.^ This 
arrival caused Clinton to be more circumspect in his movements, and he made 
no further attempts to entice Washington to fight. Yet he was endeavoring to 
accomplish by his own strategy, and the treason of an American officer, what 
he could not achieve by force. While the French army were landing upon 
Rhode Island, and preparing for winter quarters there, Clinton was bargainuig 
with Benedict Arnold for the strong military post of West Point,^ and its depen- 
dencies, among the Hudson Highlands, and with it the liberties of America, if 
possible. 



T^e Carolina Game. CorJc, used great endeavors to crush him. On 
the night of the 12tli of November, major Wemyss, at the head 
of a British detachment, fell upon him near the Broad river, but 
■was repulsed. Eight days afterward he had a severe engagement 
with Tai'leton, at Blackstock's plantation on the Tyger river, in a 
Union district. He had now been joined bj' some Georgians un- 
der colonels Clarke and Twiggs. The British were repulsed, 
■with a loss in killed and wounded, of about ?,00. The Americans 
lost only three killed and live wounded. Sumter was among the 
latter, and he was detained from the field several months, by his 
■wounds. 

1. Verse 8, p. 2.32. 

2. Verse 16, p. 219. 

3. Verse 20, p. 191, 

4. Now the village of Union, on the road from Elizabethtcwn 
to Springfield. 

5. In order to prevent any diflBculties in relation to command, 
between the American and French officers, the government of 
France appointed Washington a lieutenant-general of tlie Empire. 
This allowed him to take precedence of Rochambeau, and made 
him commander-in-chief of the allied armies. The French army 
did not enter upon a fall campaign, but remained in camp on 
Rhode Island, and in Connecticut, until the following year [verse 
18, p. 236]. The French cavalry were stationed at Lebanon, the residence of .Joseph Trumbull, gov- 
ernor of Connecticut, who was one of the most efficient civil officers, next to Robert Slorris [verse 3, p. 
2.30], of the Revolution. He was born in 1710. He was the Whig leader in Connecticut, and filled the 
office of governor for many years. He died in 1785. 

6. During the Spring and Summer of 1778, the passes of the Hudson Highlands were much strength- 
ened. A strong redoubt called Fort Clinton (in honor of George Clinton, then governor of New Yorlc), 
was erected on the extreme end of the promontory of West Point. Other redoubts were erected in the 
rear ; and upon Mount Independence, 500 feet above the point, the strong fortress of Fort Putnam was 
built, whose graj' ruins are yet visible. Besides these, an enormous iron chain, each link weighing 
more thin one hundred pounds, was stretched across the Hudson at West Point, to keep British ships 
from ascending the river. It was floated upon timbers. 




GOVERNOR TRUMBULL, 



Questions. — 13, What movements occurred at the North? What skirmishes in New Jersey? 14. What 
eventgave joy tothe Americans? What did Clinton now do and attempt? 




228 THE REVOLUTION 

15. Benedict Arnold' -was a bold soldier, but a bad man. Impulsive, vindic- 
tive, and unscrupulous, he was personally unpopular, and was seldom witliout a 

quarrel with some of his companions-in-arms. Soon 
after his appointment to the conmumd at Philadel- 
phia, 2 he was married to the beautiful young daugh- 
ter of Edward Shippen, one of the leading Loyalists 
of that city. He lived in splendor, at an ex- 
pense far beyond his income. To meet the de- 
mands of increasing creditors, he engaged in fraudu- 
lent acts which made him hated by the public, and 
caused charges of dishonesty and malpractices in 
office to be preferred against him, before the conti- 
nental Congress. A court martial, appointed to 
try him, convicted him, but sentenced him to a rep- 
rimand, only. Altliough Washington performed that 
BEN-EDICT ARNOLD. duty wlth tho utuiost dcllcacy, Arnold felt the dis- 

grace. It awakened vengeful feelings which, operat- 
ing with the pressure of debt, made him listen with complacency to the sugges- 
tions of a bad nature. He made treasonable overtures to Sir Henry Clinton, 
and by a correspondence for several mouths (under an assumed name, and with 
propositions couched in commercial phrases) with the accomplished Major 
Andre,3 Clinton's adjutant general, he bargained with the British commander to 
betray West Point and its dependencies into his hands. For this service he 
was to receive a brigadier's commission, and fifty thousand dollars in cash. 

16. By patriotic professions, Arnold obtained the command of West Point, in 
1780; and the time chosen for the consummation of his treasonable designs, was 
when Washington was absent, in September, in conference with the French of- 
ficers at Hartford, Connecticut. Arnold and Andre met, for the first time [Sept. 
22], at Haverstraw, on the west side of the Hudson, and arranged a definite 
plan of operations. Clinton was to sail up the river with a strong force, and after 
a show of resistance, Arnold was to surrender West Point and its dependencies 
into his hands. The sloop-of-war Vulture, which conveyed Andre up the river, 
was driven from her anchorage b}' shots from an American cannon on shore, 
and he was obliged to cross to the eastern side of the Hudson, and make his way 
toward New York, by land. At Tarrytown, twenty-seven miles from the city, 
he was stopped [Sept. 23] and searched by three young militia men,5 who, find- 
ing papers concealed in his boots,^ took him to tlie nearest American post. The 
commander could not seem to comprehend the matter, and unwisely allowed 
Andre to send a letter to Arnold, then at his quarters opposite West Point. 



1. He had foiisht nobly for freedom until 1778, when his passions got the better of his judgment nnd 
conscience. He was a native of Norwich, Connecticut, where he was born in January, 17-10. He went 
to England after the war, and died in Loudon, in June, 1801. His young wife died there also two 
years afterwards. 

2 Note 6, p. '209. 

3. Arnold's hand writing was disguised, and he signed his letters Gu.^tarits. Andre's letters were signed 
John Anderson. A correspondence was carried on between them for more than a year. 

4. The sloop lay off Teller's Point, just above the mouth of the Croton river. On that point, some 
Americans, with an old iron six-pounder, so galled the Vulture, that she was compelled to drop further 
down the river. That old cannon is preserved at Sing Sing, New York. 

5. John Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac Van Wart, all residents of Westchester County. Andre 
offered them large bribes if they would allow him to pass, but they refused, and thus saved their coun- 
try from ruin. 

6. These papers are well p-eserved. After being in private hands more than seventy years, they were 
purchased, and deposited in the New York State Library in 1853. 



Que.iHons. — 15. What can you tell of Benedict Arnold? What wicked act did he propose, and 
for what? 16. What can you tell of Arnold's treason? How was he thwarted? What of Andre and 
his capture? 



I 



SEVENTH YEAR OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. 229 



The alarmed traitor fled [Sept. 24] down the river in his barge, and found safety 
on board tlie Vulture. 

17. Andre was tried as a spy, found guilty, and hanged at Tappan [Oct. 2, 1780], 
opposite Tarrytown, while the real mis- 
creant escaped. Although Arnold did not ac- 
complish his wicked schemes, he received 
the stipulated reward for his treasonable 
services. "Washington would have spared 
Andre, if the stern rules of war had permit- 
ted. The young soldier has always been 
more pitied than blamed ; while the name 
of Arnold will ever be regarded with the 
bitterest scorn. Thankful for this deliver- 
ance from the dangers of treason, Congress 
voted [Nov. 3, 1780]' each of the three 
young militia men, a silver medal and a pen- 
sion of two hundred dollars a year, for life. 

18, Another year now drew to a close, and yet the patriots were not subdued. 
England had already expended vast treasures and much blood in endeavors to 
subjugate them ; and, on account of the rebellion, had involved herself in open 
war with France and Spain. Notwithstanding all this, and unmindful of the 
fact that a large French land and naval armament was already on the American 
shores, 2 she seemed to acquire fresh vigor as every new obstacle presented it- 
self And when the British Ministry learned that Holland, the maritime rival 
of England, was secretly negotiating a treaty with the United States for loans 
of money and other assistance, they caused a declaration of war against that 
government to be immediately proclaimed [Dec. 20, 1780], and procured from 
parliament immense appropriations of men and money, ships and stores, to sus- 
tain the power of Great Britain on land and sea. 




captor's uedal. 



.^ .» ♦ >. ^ 



SECTION VIII. 



SEVENTH YEAR OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE 



[1781.] 



1. The opening of 1781 was marked by one of the noblest displays of true 
heroism, for which the War for Independence was so remarkable. Year after 
year, the soldiers had suffered every privation from the lack of money and cloth- 
ing. Faction had now corrupted the continental Congress, and the public 
welfare suffered on account of the tardiness of that body in the performance of 
its legitimate duties. Continental money had become almost worthless,^ and the 
pay of officers and men was greatly in arrears. They had asked in vain for 
aid; and finally, on the first day of January, 1781, thirteen hundred of the 
Pennsylvania hue left the camp at Morristown,^ with the avowed determination 



1. On one side is the word " Fidelity," and on the other, " Vixcet amor patri^ "— " The love of 
country conquers." 

2. Verse 14, p. 227. 

3. Thirty dollars in paper were then worth only one in silver. See note 2. p. 183. 

4. The head quarters of Washingrton were now at New Windsor, just above the Hudson Highlands. 
The Pennsylvania troops were cantoned at Morristown, New Jersey ; and the New Jersey troops were at 
Pompton, in the same State. 

Question/!.— n. What was done with Andre ? How are Arnold and Andre regarded ♦ How were the 
captors rewarded? 18. What had England accomplished and endured at the close of 1780? What 
troubles menaced her in Europe ? What did she do f 1. What event distinguished the openins of 1781? 
Can you relate the circumstances ? 



230 THE EE VOLUTION. 

of marching to Philadelphia, and in person demanding justice from the national 
legislature. 

2. When the mutineers reached Princeton, they were met by British emis- 
saries from New York, who came to seduce them by bribes to enter the service 
of the king. Indignant at this implied suspicion of their patriotism, the insur- 
gents seized the spiels, and delivered them to general Wayne'^ for punishment. 
There they were met also, by a deputation from Congress, who relieved their 
immediate wants, and gave them such satisfactory guaranties for the future, 
tliat tiiey returned to duty. "When offered a reward for delivering up the spies, 
they refused to accept it, saying, "Our necessities- compelled us to demand jus- 
tice from our government ; ive ask no reward for doing our duty to our country 
against its enemies f 

3. On the 18th of January, a portion of the New Jersey line, at Pompton, 
followed the example of their comrades at Morristown. But the mutiny was 
soon quelled^ [Jan. 27], and these events had a salutary effect. They aroused 
Congress and the people to the necessity of more efficient measures for the sup- 
port of the arn\v. Taxes were imposed and cheerfully paid ; a special agent 
sent abroad to obtain loans was quite successful,^ and a national bank^ was es- 
tablished at Philadelphia, and placed under the 
charge of Eobert Morris, to whose superintend- 
ence Congress had recently entrusted the public 
Treasury. To his efforts and financial credit, the 
country was indebted for the means to commence 
offensive operations in the Spring of 1781. He 
collected the taxes, and by the free use of his 
ample private fortune, and his public credit, he 
supplied the army with flour, and other neces- 
saries, and doubtless prevented their disbanding 

.by their own act. 

4. While half-starved, half-naked troops were 

making such noble displays of patriotism amid the 

ROBERT MORRIS. suows of Ncw Jcrsev, Arnold, now engaged in the 

service of his royal master, was commencing a series 

of depredations upon lower Virginia, with about sixteen hundred British and 

Tory trooi)S, and a few armed vessels. He went up the James River, and after 

destroying [Jan. 5, 1781] a large quantity of public and private stores at Rich- 

1. Washingrton had sent Wnyne to bring: the insurg-ents back to duty. When he placed himself be- 
fore them, with loaded pistols, they put their bayonets to his breast, and said, " We love and respect 
you, but if you fire, you are a dead man. We are not groiug to the eueuiy ; on the contrarj-, if they were 
now to come out, you should see us lisht under your orders, ■with as much alacrity as ever." 

2. A committee of Congress appointed to report on the condition of the army said, a short time pre- 
vious to this event, that it was "unpaid for live months, that it seldom had more than six days 
provisions in advance, and was, on several occasions, for sundry successive days, without meat ; that 
the medical department had neither sugar, coffee, tea, chocolate, wine, nor spirituous liquors of any- 
kind, and that every department of the army was without money, and had not even the shadow of credit 
left.'' This report heightens the glowing colors of their patriotism. 

3. Washington sent general Robert Howe, with live hundred men, to suppress the mutiny. Two of 
the ringleaders were hanged, and the remainder quietly submitted. 

4. (""olonel John Laurens [note 6, p. 2o01 was sent to France to ask for aid. He procured about 
$l,2tHl,lKXl as a subsidy, and a further sum as a loan ; and also a guarantee for a Dutch loan of about 
$2,000,lWO. These suins, and the operations of Morris's Bank, gave essential relief. 

5. This was called the Bankof North America, the first ever established in the United States. Morris 
was born in England in 1783, and came to America in childhood. He was a successful merchant in 
Philadelphia, was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and the great financier of the 
Revolution. He died in 18(k>, in comparative poverty, having lost an immense fortune by speculations 
iu lauds in Western New York, since known as the Holland Land Company's purchase. 




QueMions — 2. How did mutineers display remarkable patriotism ? 8. What other mutiny occurred ? 
How was it suppressed ? What good did these accomplish ? What financial arrangements were made, 
and by whom? 4. What did Benedict Arnold do in Virginia? What was done to capture him? What 
expedition did he imdertake with Phillips? 



SEVENTH YEAR OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. 231 



mond, and vicinity, he went to Portsmouth [Jan. 20], opposite Norfolk, and 
made that his head quarters. Great eftbrts were made by the Americans to 
seize and punish the traitor.^ La Fayette was sent into Virginia with twelve 
hundred men to oppose him, and a portion of the French fleet went [March 8, 
1781] from Rhode Island, to shut him up in the Elizabeth river, and assist in 
capturing him. Admiral Arbuthnot^ pursued and attacked [March 16] this 
fleet, and compelled it to return to Newport. General Phillips soon afterward 
joined Arnold [March 26] with more than two thousand men, and took the 
chief command. The traitor accompanied Phillips on another expedition up the 
James River [April], and after doing as much mischief as possible between Pe- 
tersburg and Richmond, he returned to New York.3 We shall meet Arnold 
presently on the New England coast.* 

5. The southern States became the most important theater of the campaign 
of 1781. General Greene,^ who was appointed [Oct. 30, 1780] to succeed gen- 
eral Gates in the direction of the southern 

army, arrived at head quarters at Charlotte, 
on the 2d of December, and the next day 
took formal command. He arranged his 
httle army into two divisions. With the 
main body he took post at Cheraw, east of * 
the Pedee, and general Morgan was sent 
with the remainder (about a thousand strong) 
to occupy the country near the junction of 
the Pacolet and Broad rivers. Cornwallis's 
position was between the two. That general 
was just preparing to march into North Caro- 
lina again, 6 when Greene made this dispo- 
sition of his army. 

6. Unwilling to leave Morgan in his rear, 
Cornwallis sent Tarleton to capture or dis- 
perse his command. The Americans retreated 

before this superior force, but were overtaken at the Coicpens,'^ in Spartanburg 
district, and compelled to fight. Morgan^' and his brave followers turned upon 
their pursuers, and combattcd with them for more than two hours [Jan. 17, 
1781], with skill and bravery. The British were defeated with a loss of al- 




/a 



GENERAL GREENE. 



1. Soon after the capture of Andre, and before his execution, great efforts were made to seize Arnold. 
Sergeant Champe, one of Major Lee's dragoons, went in disguise to New York, enlisted into a corps over 
which Arnold had command, ascertained the nature of his nightly movements, and had almost consum- 
mated a plan for abducting him and carrying him to the Jersey shore, when the traitor was ordered to 
the Southern expedition. Instead of carrying Arnold off, Champe, himself, was taken to Virginia with 
the corps in which he had enlisted. There he escaped, and joined Lee in the Carolinas. 

2. Verse 2, p. 221. 

3. Phillips sickened and died at Petersburg, when Cornwallis, who soon afterward arrived, took the 
general command. 

4. Verse 19, p. 237. 

5. Nathaniel Greene was bom of Quaker parents in Rhode Island, in 1740. He was an anchor-smith 
and was pursuing his trade when the Revolution broke out. He hastened to Boston after the skirmish 
at Lexington, and from that time, until the close of the war, he was one of the most useful otiicers 
in the army. He died near Savannah in 1786, and was buried in a vault in that city. His sepulchre can- 
not now be identified. 

6. Verse 11, p. 226. 

7. The scene of the battle is among the Thicketty mountains, west of the Broad river. It was called 
Coicpf.ns from the fact that some time before the Revolution, some traders at Camden kept herds of 
cows in that fertile region. 

8. Daniel Morgan was born in New Jersey in 1738, and was in the humble sphere of a wagoner, when 
called to the field. He had been a soldier under Braddock, and joined Washington at Cambridge in 1775. 
He was a farmer in Virginia after the war, where he died in 1802. 



Que.oHons. — 5. What military movements were made in the South? 6. What did Cornwallis wish to 
do? What was done? and what else can you tell of a battle ? How were the victors rewarded? 



232 



THE KEVOLUTION. 




GENERAL MOUGAN. 



after Moro-an had crossed. 



most three hundred men in killed and wounded, five 
hundred made prisoners, and a large quantity of arms, 
ammunition, and stores. It was a brilliant vic- 
tory, and Congress gave Morgan a gold medal, as 
a token of its approbation. Colonels Howard^ and 
Washington, 2 whose soldierly conduct won the 
battle, received each a silver medal. 

7. At the close of the battle, Morgan pushed for- 
ward with his prisoners, intending to cross the Ca- 
tawba, and make his way toward Virginia. When 
Cornwallis heard of the defeat of Tarleton, he de- 
stroyed his heavy baggage, and hastened with his 
whole army to intercept Morgan and his prisoners. 
He reached the Catawba in the evening, two hours 
Feeling confident of his prey, he deferred his passage 

of the stream until morning. A heavy rain during the night filled the river to 

its brim, and while the British were detained by the flood, Morgan had reached 

the banks of the Yadkin, where he was joined by 

general Greene and his escort. 

8. Now commenced a remarkable retreat of the 
American army under Greene, from the Yadkin to 
the Dan. Cornwallis reached the western bank 
of the former [Feb. 3, 1T81], just as the Americans 
got safely on the eastern shore, and he was again 
arrested in his progress by a sudden swelling of 
the floods. Onward the patriots pressed, and soon 
Cornwallis was in full chase. At Guilford court 
house, Greene was joined [Feb. 1] by his main 
body from Cheraw,^ and all continued the flight, 
for they were not strong enough to turn and fight. 
After many narrow escapes during the retreat, 
Greene reached the Dan [Feb. 13], and crossed its rising waters safely into the 
friendly bosom of Halifax county, in Virginia. When Cornwallis arrived, a few 
hours later [Feb. 14], the stream was too much swollen to allow him to cross. 
For the third time the waters, as if governed by a special Providence, interposed 
a barrier between the pursuers and the pursued. Mortified and dispirited, the 
earl here abandoned the chase, and moving sullenly southward through North 
Carolina, established his camp at Hillsborough. 

9. Greene remained in Viz'ginia only long enough to refresh his troops, and 




COLONEL WASHI^GTO^■. 



1. John Kager Howard, of the Maryland line. He was bom in Baltimore county in 1752. He went into 
military service at the commencement of the war. He was in all of the principal battles of the Revolu- 
tion, was chosen governor of Maryland in 1778, was afterwards a United States Senator, and died in Oc- 
tober, 1827. 

2. William Washington, a relative of the general. He was born in Stafford county, Va. He entered 
the army under Mercer, who was killed at Princeton [verse 5, p. 197], and greatly distinguished himself 
at the South, as commander of a corps of cavalry. Taken prisoner at F^utaw Springs [verse 15, p. 235], 
he remained a captive till the close of the war, and died in Charleston, in March, 1810. In a personal 
combat with Tarleton, at the battle at the Cowpens, Washington wounded his antagonist in his hand. 
Some months afterward, Tarleton said sneeringly to Mrs. Willie Jones, a witty American lady, " tliat 
colonel Washington, I am told, is illiterate, and cannot write his own name." "Ah ! colonel," said 
Mrs. Jones, " you ought to know better, for you bear evidence that he can malie Ms mark." At another 
time he expressed a desire to see colonel Washington. Mrs. Jones's sister instantly replied, " Had you 
looked behind vou at the Covpens, you might have had that pleasure." 

3. Verse 5, p.' 231. 



Quesh07ts.~i. What was done after the battle of the Cowpens, bv the two armies? 8. What remarkable 
event now occurred? What can you tell of Greene's retreat and escape? 9. Wh.at did the Americans 
now do? What exploit did Lee perform ? What can you tell of a battle and its results? 



SEVENTH YEAR OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. 233 




\-.^iy 



COLONEL HENRY LEE. 



receive recruits,' and then he recrossed the Dan 
[Feb, 23J, to oppose CornwalUs in his efforts to 
embody the Loyahsts under the royal banner. 
Colonel Lee, 2 with his cavalry, scoured the coun- 
try around the head quarters of the Haw and 
Deep rivers, and by force and stratagem foiled the 
efforts of Tarleton, who was recruiting in that re- 
gion. On one occasion he defeated and dispersed 
[March 2] a body of three hundred loyalists un- 
der colonel Pyle,3 near the Alamance creek, after 
which, the Tories kept quiet, and very few dared 
to take up arms. Greene, in the meanwhile, had 
moved cautiously forward, and on the first of 
March [1780], found himself at the head of almost 
five thousand troops. Feeling strong enough now 
to cope with Cornwallis, he sought an engage- 
ment with him, and on the 15th they met, and 

fiercely contended, near Guilford court house.^ That battle was one of the se- 
verest of the war. Although the Americans were 
repulsed and the British became masters of the field, 
the victory was almost as destructive for Cornwallis 
as a defeat, "Another such victor}-," said Charles 
Fox in the British House of Commons, "will ruin 
the British army." His battalions were so shatter- 
ed,5 that he could not maintain the advantage he 
had gained. Thoroughly dispirited, he abandoned 
western Carolina and moved [March 19] with his 
whole army, to "Wilmington, near the seaboard. 
Greene rallied his forces and pursued the British as 
far as the Deep river, in Chatham county. There he 
relinquished the pursuit, and prepared to re-enter 
South Carolina, 

10, Lord Rawdon^ was now in command of a Brit- 
ish force at Camden, Greene marched [April 6], 
directly for that place, and on the 19th of April he encamped on Hobkirk's 
Hill, about a mile from Rawdon's intrenchments. Six days afterwards [April 
25, 1781], he was surprised" and defeated by Rawdon, after a sharp battle, in 




Bn'/fJSH g zZ/vJ^ 
BATTLE OF GUILFORD. 



y 



1. On his way South to take command of the Southern army, he left the Baron Steuben in Virg-inia, to 
gather recruits, provisions, Ac, and forward them to him. This service the Baron performed with 
elliciency. See note 1, p. 213. 

2. Henry Lee was horn in Virginia, in 1756. He entered the military service as captain of a Virginia 
company in 1776, and in 1777 joined the continental army. At the head of a legion he performed extra- 
ordinary services during the war, especially at the South. He was afterward governor of Virginia, and 
a member of Congress. He died in 1818. 

3. Lee sent two young countrymen, whom he had captured, to the camp of Pyle, to inform that 
leader, that Tarleton was approaching, and wished to meet him. Pyle had never seen Tarleton, and 
wlien he came up he supposed Lee and his party to be that of the renowned Briti:>h officer. Friendly 
salutations were expressed, and at a word, the Americans fell upon the Loyalists, killed almost a hun- 
dred of them, and dispersed the remainder. This event took place two or three miles from the scene of 
the Regulator battle mentioned on page 168. 

4. About five miles from the present village of Greensborough, in Guilford county. North Carolina. 

5. The Americans lost in killed and wounded, about four hundred men, besides almost a thousand who 
deserted to their homes. The loss of the British was over six htmdred. Among the officers who were 
killed was lieutenant-colonel Webster, who was one of the most efficient men in the British army. On 
this occasion, Greene's force was much superior in numbers to that of Cornwallis, and he had every ad- 
vantage of position. 

6. Verse 14, p. 2,S5. 

7. Greene was breakfasting at a spring on the eastern slope of Hobkirk's Hill, when Rawdon's army, 



Question. — 10. What occurred near Camden ? What can you tell of a battle there? 



234 



THE EEVOLUTION. 




HOBKIRK'S HILL. 



which the Americans lost in killed, wounded and miss- 
ing, two hundred and sixty-six men. The British lost 
two hundred and fifty eight.-" Greene conducted his re- 
treat so well, that he carried away all his artillery and 
baggage, with fifty British prisoners. 

11. The two armies were now about equal in num- 
bers, and Greene's began to increase. Alarmed by this, 
and for the safety of his forts in the lower country, 
Rawdon set fire to Camden and retreated [May 10, 1781] 
to Nelson's Ferry, on the Santee. He had ordered Cru- 
ger2 to abandon Ninety-Six^ and join Brown at Augusta ;* 
and had also directed Maxwell to leave Fort Granby,^ 
and retire to Orangeburg,6 on the North Edisto. But 
his orders and his movements were made too late. 
Within the space of a week, four important posts fell 
into the hands of the Americans,''' and Greene was mak- 
ing rapid marches toward Ninety-Six. Lee had pressed forward and co-opera- 
ted with Pickens in holding the country between Ninety-Six and Augusta, to 
prevent a junction of the garrisons at either of those places. At the beginning 
of June [1781], the British possessed only three posts in South Carolina, name- 
ly, Charleston, Nelson's Ferry and Ninety-Six. 

12. Greene commenced the siege of Ninety-Six,^ on 
the 22d of May, with less than a thousand regulars 
and a few raw militia. For almost a month, his efibrts 
were unavailing. Then hearing of the approach of 
Eawdon, with a strong force, to the relief of Cruger, 
the Americans made an unsuccessful eflFort [June 18] 
to take the place by storm. They raised the siege the 
following evening [June 19], and retreated beyond the 
Saluda. Rawdon pursued them a short distance, when 
he wheeled and marched to Orangeburg. 

13. While this siege was progresssing, Lee and 
Pickens, with Clarke and others of Georgia, were 
making successful efforts on the Savannah. Lee cap- 
tured Fort Galphin, twelve miles below Augusta, on the 21st of May, and then 




FORT NINETY-SIX. 



by a circuitous route through a forest, fell upon hira. Some of his men were cleaning their guns, others 
were washing their clothes, and all were unsuspicious of clanger. 

1. The number of killed was remarkably small. The Americans had only eighteen, and the British 
thirty-eight, slain on the battle field. 

2. Verse 5, p. 223. 

3. So called because it was ninety-six miles from the frontier fort. Prince George, on the Keowee 
river. Its site is occupied by the pleasant village of Cambridge, in Abbeville District, one hundred 
and forty-seven miles north-west from Charleston. 

4. Verse 5, p. 223. 

6. On the western side of the Congaree, two miles from the present city of Columbia, South Carolina. 

6. On East bank of the North Edisto, about sixty-five miles South of Columbia. 

7. Lee and Marion were the principal leaders against these posts. Orangeburg was taken on the llth 
of May ; Fort Motte on the 12th ; the post at Nelson's Ferry on the 14th, and Fort Granby on the 16th. 
Fort Watson, situated on the Santee, a few miles above Nelson's Ferry, was taken on the 16th of April. 
Fort Motte was near the junction of the Wateree and Congaree, forty miles South from Camden. Nelson's 
Ferry is at the mouth of Eutaw Creek, on the Santee, about fifty miles from Charleston. 

8. The principal work was a star redoubt [verse 5, p. 176]. There was a picketed inclosure [note 2, p. 
94] around the little village ; and on the west side of a stream running from a spring (a) was a stockade 
[note 5, p. 1.39] fort. The besiegers encamped at four different points around the works. Kosciuscko 
[note 1, p. 204] was the engineer in chief 



Questiom. — 11. How did the two armies now compare? What movements did Lord Rawdon order ? 
What series of important events occurred? 12. What post was besieged? What can you tell of the 
siege of Ninety-Six? 13. What were other American officers doing ? What can you tell of the capture 
of Augusta by the Americans f What movements were now made by the two armies ? 




SEVENTH YEAE OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. 235 

sent an officer to demand of Brown, an instant surrender of his garrison. The 
siege of Augusta was commenced on the 23d, and continued until the 4th of 
June, when a general assault was agreed upon. 
Brown now proposed a surrender ; and the fol- 
lowing day [June 5, 1781] the Americans took 
possession of that important post. They lost 
fifty-one men, killed and wounded ; the British 
lost fifty-two killed, and three hundred and 
thirty-four (including the wounded) made pris- 
oners. At the close of the siege, Lee and 
Pickens' hastened to join Greene before Ninety- 
Six. 

14. When Rawdon retired toward Orange- 
burg, G-reene became his pursuer, but finding 
him strongly intrenched at that place, the 
Americans crossed the Congaree, and the main 
body encamped upon the High Hills of Santee, general pickens. 
in Santee district, there to pass the hot and 

sickly season. Leaving his troops at Orangeburg, in the command of colonel 
Stewart (who had come up from Charleston with a reinforcement), Rawdon 
went to the sea-board and embarked for England. - 

15. Greene was reinforced by North Carolina troops, in August, and at the 
close of that month he crossed the Wateree and Congaree, and marched upon Or- 
angeburg.3 Stewart (who had been joined by Cruger from Ninety-Six), retreat- 
ed to Eutaw Springs, near the south-west bank of the Santee, and there encamped. 
Greene pursued, and on the morning of the 8th of September [1781], a severe 
battle commenced. The British were driven from their camp ; and Greene's 
troops, hke those of Sumter at Hanging Rock,4 scattered among the tents of the 
enemy, drinking and plundering. The British unexpectedly renewed the battle, 
and after a bloody conflict of about four hours, the Americans were obliged to 
give way. That night the British retrealjed toward Charleston. The next day 
[Sept. 9, 1781], Greene advanced and took possession of the battle field, and 
then sent detachments in pursuit of the enemy.^ The Americans lost in killed, 
wounded and missing, five hundred and fifty-five. The British lost six hundred 
and ninety three. 

16. At this time, Marion, Sumter, Lee and other partisans, were driving British 
detachments from post to post, and smiting parties of Loyalists in every direc- 
tion. The British finally evacuated all their stations in the country, and retired 
to Charleston, pursued almost to the verge of the city, by the bold American 

1. Andrew Pickens was born in Pennsylvania, in 1739. In childhood he went to South Carolina, and 
was one of the first in the field for liberty. He was a very useful officer and good citizen. He died in 
1S17 

2. A short time before he sailed, Rawdon was a party to a cruel transaction which created a great 
deal of excitement throughout the South. Among those who took British protection after the fall of 
Charleston in 1780 [verse 4, p. 223], was colonel Igaac Hayne, a highly respectable Carolinian. When 
general Greene, the following vear, confined the British to Charleston alone, and their protection had no 
force, Hayne considered himself released from the obligations of his parole, took up arms for his country, 
and was made a prisoner. Colonel Balfour was then in chief command at Charleston, and from the be- 
ginning seemed determined on the death of Hayne. Rawdon exerted his influence to save the prisoner, 
but finally he consented to his execution, as a traitor. Greene was inclined to retaliate, but fortunately, 
hostilities soon afterward ceased, and the flow of blood was stopped. 

3. Verse 11, p. 234. 4. Verse 7, p. 224. 

5. Congress awarded a gold medal to Greene for his skill and bravery at Eutaw Springs. The battle, 
although it resulted iu the repulse of the Americans, was more disastrous to the British than to them. 



Questions.— 15. How was Greene strengthened? and what did he do? What battle occurred? What 
can you fell about it? 16. What were Marion and others now doing? What was now the condition of 
the British in South Carolina and Georgia? 



236 THE EE VOLUTION. 

scouts. At the close of the year [1781] the British at the South, were confined 
to Charleston and Savannah ; and besides these places, they did not hold a sin- 
gle post south of New York. Late in the season [Nov.] Greene moved his 
army^ to the vicinity of Charleston, while Wayne, early in 1782 [Jan. 1782] 
was closely watching the British at Savannah. 

17. While Greene and Rawdon were manoeuvring in South Carolina, Corn- 
wallis was attempting the subjugation of Yirginia. He left Wilmington'^ on the 
25th of April, crossed the Roanoke at Halifax, and on the 20th of May, reached 
Petersburg, where he took the command of the troops of the deceased Phil- 
lips.3 Lafayette was then in Virginia,'* but his force was too small effectually to 
oppose the invaders, and the State seemed doomed to British rule. For the 
purpose of bringing La Fayette into action, Cornwallis penetrated the country 
beyond Richmond, and destroyed an immense amount of property.-^ He also 
sent out marauding parties in various directions,'^ and for several weeks the 
whole State was kept in great alarm. He finally proceeded [June, 1781] slowly 
toward the coast, closely pursued by La Fayette, Wayne and Steuben. While 
lying at Williamsburg, he received [June 29] orders from General Chnton, to 
take post near the sea, in order to reinforce the garrison at New York, if neces- 
sary, which was now menaced by the combined American and French armies. 
He crossed the James river [July 9] at Old Jamestown, ? and proceeded by land 
to Portsmouth ; but disliking that situation, he went to Yorktown, on the York 
river, and commenced fortifying that place [Aug.] and Gloucester Point, oppo- 
site. 

18. While these movements were progressing at the 
South, the allied armies had met on the Hudson river 
[July 6], in Westchester county, for the purpose of at- 
tacking Sir Henry Clinton, in New York. The Ameri- 
cans were under the immediate command of Washington, 
and the French under the Count de Rochambeau.^ 
Count de Grasse was then in command of a French 
fleet in the West Indies, and Washington confidently ex- 
pected his aid in the enterprise. But while preparing to 
strike the blow, Clinton was reinforced [Aug 11] by 
- nearly three thousand troops from Europe ; and intelli- 
gence came from De Grasse, that he could not give his 
co-operation. Thus foiled, Washington turned his 
COUNT DE RocHAMBEAu. thoughts to Virginia ; and when, a few days afterward, 



1. After the battle at Eutaw Springs, Greene again encamped on the High Hills of Santee, from whence 
he sent out expeditions toward Charleston. These were successful, and the enemy was kept close upon 
the sea-board, during the remainder of the war. 

2. Verse 9, p. 232. 3. Note 3, p. 231. 4. Verse 4, p. 230. 

5. The principal object of Cornwallis in marching beyond Richmond, was to prevent a junction of 
troops under Wayne, then approaching through Maryland, with La Fayette. But the Marquis was too 
expert, outmarched the earl, and met Wayne on the 10th of June. 

6. Colonel Simcoe, commander of the Queen's Rangers, was sent to capture or destroy stores at the 
j mction of the Fluvanna and Rivanna rivers. He also dispatched Tarleton to attempt the capture of 
governor Jefferson and the Legislature, who had fled from Richmond to Charlottesville, near the resi- 
dence of Mr. Jefferson. Seven members of the Legislature fell into his hands [June 4], and Mr. Jeffer- 
son narrowly escaped capture by fleeing from his house to the mountains. 

7. Here he was attacked by Wayne, who, after striking the British a severe blow, hastily retreated, 
•with but little loss, back to the main army, two miles distant. 

8. Born at Vendome, in France, in 1725. He was a distinguished officer in the French army, and after 
his return from America, was made a Field Marshall, by his king. He was pensioned by Bonapaite, 
and died in 1807. 




Questions. — 17. What was Cornwallis attempting in Virginia? Who opposed him ? and what were the 
prospects? What did British detachments do? What can you tell of Cornwallis' movements? 18. 
What did the allied armies do? What did they attempt? Why was the scheme abandoned? 



SEVENTH YEAR OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. 287 




COU>T DE GRASSE. 



he learned from de Barras' at Newport, that de Grasse was about to sail for the 
Chesapeake, he resolved to march southward. 

19. "Washington wrote deceptive letters to general 
Greene in New Jersey, and sent them so as to be inter- 
cepted bv Sir Henry Clinton. He thus blinded the Brit- 
ish commander to his real intentions ; and it was not 
until the allied armies had crossed the Hudson, passed 
through New Jersey, and were marching from the Dela- 
ware toward the head of Chesapeake Bay,2 that Clinton 
was convinced that an attack upon the city of New 
York was not the object of "Washington's movements. 
It was then too late for successful pursuit, and he en- 
deavored to recall the Americans by sending Arnold to 
desolate the New England coast. Although there was 
a terrible massacre perpetrated by the marauders at 
Fort Griswold^ [Sept. 6, 1781], and New London, oppo- 
site, almost in sight of the traitor's birth-place, 4 was 

burned, it did not check the progress of "Washington toward tliat goal where 
he was to win the greatest prize of his military career. Nor did reinforce- 
ments sent by water to aid Cornwallis, effect their object, for when admiral 
Graves arrived off the Capes [Sept. 5 ], De Grasse was there to guard the en- 
trance to the Chesapeake.5 He went out to fight Graves, but after a partial 
action, both withdrew, and the French anchored [Sept. 10] within the capes.s 

20. The alhed armies, about twelve thousand strong,''' arrived before York- 
town on the 28th of September 1781, and after compelling the British to 
abandon their outworks, commenced a regular siege. Having completed some 
batteries, the Americans opened a heavy cannonade upon the town and the 
British works on the evening of the 9th of October, On the following even- 
ing they hurled red hot balls among the English shipping in front of the 
town, and burned several vessels. Disasters were gathering a fearful web of 
difficulty around Cornwalhs. Despairing of aid from Clinton, and perceiving 
his strong fortifications crumbling, one by one, under the terrible storm of iron 
from a hundred heavy cannons, he attempted to escape on the night of the 
16th, by crossing to Gloucester, breaking through the French troops stationed 
there, and making forced marches toward New York. "When the van of his 
troops embarked, the waters of the York river were perfectly calm, although dark 
clouds were gathering on the horizon. Then a storm arose as sudden and as 
fearful as a summer tornado, dispersed the boats, compelled many to put back, 



1. The successor of admiral de Ternaj, in the comraand of the French fleet. Ternay died at Newport. 

2. This is frenerallv called in the letters and histories of the time, " Head of Elk," the narrow, upper 
part of the Chesapea"ke being called Elk liver. There stands the village of Elkton. 

3. Arnold landed at the mouth of the Thames, and proceeded to attack Fort Trumbull, near Nev 
London. The garrison evacuated it, and the village was burned. Another division of the expeditK.n 
went up on the east side of the Thames, attacked Fort Griswold at Groton, and after colonel Led.vard 
had surrendered it, he and almost every man in the fort were cruelly murdered, or badly wounded. 
There is a monument to their memory, at Groton. 

4. At Norwich, at the head of the Thames, a few miles North of New I^ondon. See note 1, p. Z2». 

5. Graves intended to intercept a French squadron which was on its way with heavy cannons and mil- 
itary stores for the armies at Yorktown. He was not aware that de Grasse had left the West Indies. 

6. The place of anchorage was in I.ynn Haven Bay. The hostile fleets were in sight of each other 
for five successive days, but neither partv was anxious to renew the combat. 

7. The wholeof the American and French forces, employed in the siege, amounted to a little over 
sixteen thousand men. Of the Americans, aboutseven thousand were regular troops and four thou- 
sand militia. The French troops numbered about five thousand, including those brought by De Grasse 
from the West Indies. 



Qrieslions.—l^. How did Washington mislead Clinton? What did the allied annies do? What did 
Clinton attempt? and how? What can you tell of Arnold's expedition to Connecticut / W bat naval 
battle occurred? 20. What can you tell of the siege of Yorktown? What was the result? 



238 



THE KEVOLUTION. 



and the attempt was abandon- 
ed. Hope now faded, and on 
the 19th, CornwaUis snrreu- 
dered the posts at Torktown 
and Gloucester, with almost 
seven thousand British soldiers, 
and his shipping and seamen, 
into the hands of Washington 
and De Grasse.^ Chuton ap- 
peared at the entrance to Ches- 
apeake Bay a few days after- 
ward, with seven thousand 
troops, but it was too late. The 
final blow which smote down 
British power in America had 
been struck, and the victory 
was complete. Clinton re- 
turned to New York, amazed 
and disheartened. 

21. From every family altar 
where a love of freedom dwelt, 
— from pulpits, legislative halls, 
the army and from Congress- [October 24], went up a shout of thanksgiving and 
praise to the Lord God Omnipotent, for the success of the allied troops, and 
these were mingled with universal eulogies of the Great Leader and his com- 
panions in arms. The clouds which had lowered for seven long years appeared 
to be breaking, and the splendors of the dawn of peace burst forth, like the 
light of a clear morning after a dismal night of tempest and woe. And the de- 
sire tor peace, which had long burned in the bosom of the British people, now 
found such potential expression, as to be heeded by the British ministry. 
The intelligence of the fate of CornwaUis and his party, fell with all the destruc- 
tive energy of a bomb-shell in the midst of the war-party^ in parliament ; and 
the stoutest declaimers in fovor of bayonets and gunpowder. Indians and Ger- 
man mercenaries, ^ as tit instruments for enslaving a free people, began to talk 
of the expediency of peace. Public opinion soon foimd expression m both 
houses of parliament, and Lord Xorth^ and his administration, who had misled 




SIEGE OF TORKTOWX. 



1. The British lost one hundred and fifty-six killed, three hundred nnd twenty-six wonnded. and seventv 
missing. The combined armies lost, in killed and wounded, about three hundred. Among the spoil's 
were seventy-Bve brass, and one hundred and sixty iron cannons ; seven thousand seven hundred and 
ninety-four muskets ; twenty-eight regimental standards ; a large quantity of musket and cannon balls, 
and nearly eleven thousand dollars in specie in the military chest. The aiiny was surrendered to Wash- 
ington, and the shipping and seamen to De Grasse. The latter soon afterward left the Chesapeake and 
went to the West Indies. Rochambeau remained with his troops iu Virginia during the winter, and the 
main body of the American army marched north, and went into Winter quarters on the Hudson. A 
strong detachment under general St. Clair [verse 18, p. 2ll2] was sent south to drive the British from 
AVilmingtou, and reinforce the armv of general Greene, then lying near Charleston. 

2. A messenger, with a despatch from Washington, reached Philadelphia at midnight. Before dawn 
the exulting people filled the streets ; and at an early hour, secretary Thomson [verse S5, p. 171] read 
that cheering letter to the assembled Congress. Then that august body went iu procession to a temple 
of the living God [October 24th, ITSl], and there joined in public thanksgivings to the King of Kings, for 
the great victory. They also resolved that a marble column should be erected at Yorktown, to com- 
memorate the event ; and that two stands of colors should be presented to Washington, and two pieces 
of cannon to each of the French commanders, Rochambeau and Pe Grasse. 

3. Lord George Germaine said that Lord Xorth received the intelligence " as he would have done a 
cannon ball in his breast." He p^oed the room, and throwing his arms wildly about, kept exclaiming, 
" O, God ! it is all over, it is all over I" 

•4. Verse 2, p. 1S3. 5. Verse 29, p. 169. 



Question. — 21. What effect did the Tictory at Yorktown have' 
mentf What political changes took place* 



What was dor.e by the British Parlia- 



CLOSING EVENTS OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. 239 

the nation for twelve years, gave way under the pressure of the peace senti- 
ment, and retired [March 20, 1782] from office. The advocates of peace then 
came into power, and early in the following May, Sir Guy Carleton arrived in 
New York, with propositions for a reconciliation. 



^ . » ♦ « « »- 



SECTION IX. 

CLOSma EVENTS OF THE WAR FOR IKDEPEKDENCE. [1782 — 1189,] 

1. Intelligence of the capture of Cornwallis^ reached general Greene on the 
30th of October 1781, and that day was spent by the anny, as one of jubilee. 
The event seemed to be a guaranty for the future security of the republicans 
in the South, and governor Rutledge^ soon called a legislative assembly to meet 
at Jacksonborough, to re-establish civil authority. An offer of pardon for peni- 
tents, brought hundreds of Tories from the British lines at Charleston, to accept 
the clemency. Yet the vigilance of the Americans was not allowed to slumber, 
for a wary foe yet occupied the capitals of South Carolina and Georgia. Ma- 
rion and his men kept *' watch and ward" over the region between the Cooper 
and the Santee, while Greene's main army lay near the Edisto ; and Wayne, al- 
ways vigilant, kept the enemy as close within his intrenchments at Savannah. 
Alarmed by the approach of St. Clair, 3 the British fled from Wilmington, and 
took post on St. John's Island, just below Charleston. Washington, at the same 
time, was keeping Clinton and his army close prisoners in New York.* 

2. On the 4th of March, 1782, the British House of Commons,^ on motion 
of general Conway, resolved that it "would consider as enemies to his majesty 
and the country, all those who should advise, or by any means attempt the 
further prosecution of offensive war on the continent of North America." Or- 
ders for a cessation of hostiUties speedily went forth to the British commanders 
in America. On the 11th of July [1782], the British evacuated Savannah, 
and on the 14th of December following, they also departed from Charleston. ^ They 
remained in New York almost a year longer [Nov. 25, 1783] under the com- 
mand of Sir Guy Carleton, ^ who had succeeded Sir Henry Clinton, because the 
final negotiations for peace were not completed, by ratification, until near that 
time. 

3. Five commissioners^ were appointed by the United States to conclude a 

1. Verse 20, p. 237- 2. Verse 2, p. 221. 3. Note 1, p. 238. 

4. Verse 18, p. 236. 6. Note 4, p. 164. 

6. During the preceding Summer general Leslie, the British commander at Charleston, made several 
attempts to penetrate the country for the purpose of seizing provisions for his army. Late in August, 
he attempted to ascend the Combahee [verse 20, p. 30], for that purpose, when he was opposed by the 
Americans under general Gist, of the Maryland line. ColonelJohn Laurens [note 4, p. 230] volunteered 
in the service ; and in a skirmish at daybreak, on the 25th of August, he was killed. The last blood 
of the Revolution was shed at Stone Ferry [verse 7, P- 215] in September following, when captain 
Wilmot was killed in a skirmish with a British foraging party. 

7. Verse 18, p. 180. 

8. This number was appointed in order that different secf ions of the union might be represented. The 
commissioners were John Adams, John Jay, Dr. Franklin, Thomas Jefferton and Henry Laurens. 
Jefferson did not serve. 



Que.ttions. — 1. How did the intelligence of the capture of Cornwallis affect the American army and 
the people? What occurred in the vicinity of Charleston? 2. What was done in the British House of 
Commons? What was done by the British army in America? 3. What was done toward the establish- 
ment of peace? What can you tell of negotiations and their results? What treaties were agreed to? 



s 



240 THE KEVOLUTION". 

treaty of peace with Great Britain. They met two English commissioners, for 
that purpose, at Paris, and there, on the 30th of November, 1782, they signed 
a prehminary treaty. French and Enghsh commissioners also signed a treaty of 
peace on the 20th of January following. Congress ratified the action of its com- 
missioners in April 1783, yet negotiations were in progress until September 
following, when a definitive treaty was signed^ [Sept. 3, 1783] at Paris. At the 
same time, definitive treaties between England, France, Spain and Holland, were 
signed by their respective commissioners, and the United States became an ac- 
knowledged power among the nations of the earth. 

4. The joy of the American people, in view of returning peace and prosper- 
ity, was mingled with many gloomy apprehensions of evil. The army, which, 
through the most terrible sufferings, had remained faithful and become conquer- 
or, was soon to be disbanded ; and thousands, many of them made invalids by 
the hard service in which they had been engaged, would be compelled to seek 
a livelihood in the midst of the desolation which war had produced. For a long 
time the public treasury had been empty, and neither officers nor soldiers had re- 
ceived any pay for their services. A resolution of Congress, passed in 1780 
[Oct. 21], to allow the officers half pay for life, was ineffective, because funds 
were wanting. Already the gloomy prospect had created wide-spread murmur- 
ings in the army; and on the 11th of March, 1783, a well- written address was 
circulated through the A merican camp (then near Newburgh), which advised 
the army to take matters into its own hands, make a demonstration that should 
arouse the fears of the people and of Congress, and thus obtain justice for them- 
selves.2 For this purpose, a meeting of officers was called, but the great influ- 
ence of Washington prevented a response. He then summoned all the officers 
together, laid the matter before them [March 15], and obtained from them a 
patriotic expression of their faith in the "justice of Congress and the country." 
In a few days the threatening cloud passed away. 

5. Soon after this event Congress made arrangements for granting to the offi- 
cers, full pay for five years, instead of half pay for life ; and to the soldiers, full 
pay for four months, in partial liquidation of their claims. On the eighth anni- 
versary of the skirmish at Lexington [April 19, 1783], a cessation of hostilities 
was proclaimed in the army, and on the 3d of November following the army was 
disbanded by a general order of Congress. That glorious band of patriots then 
quietly returned to their homes to enjoy, for the remnant of their lives, the 
blessings of the liberty they had won, and the grateful benedictions of their 
countrymen. Of the two hundred and thirty thousand continental soldiers, and 
the fifty-six thousand militia who bore arms during the war, not more than one 
thousand now [1854] remain among usl^ And the average age of these must 
be about ninety years. 

6. Washington met his officers at New York, and there had an affectionate 



1. Engrland acknowledged the independence of the United States ; allowed ample boundaries, extend- 
ing northward to the great lakes, and westward to the Mississippi, and an unlimited right of fishing on 
the banks of Newfoundland. The two Floridas were restored to Spain. 

2. This address was anonymous, but it was afterward acknowledged to be the production of John 
Armstrong, then a major, and one of general Gates' aids. He was secretary of war in 1814. See 
verse 13, p. 269. 

3. Great Britain sent to America, during the war, one hundred and twelve thousand five hundred and 
eighty-four troops for the land service, and more than twenty-two thousand seamen. Of all this host, 
not one is known to be living. One of them (John Battin) died in the city of New York in June, 1852, 
at the age of one hundred vears and four months. 



Qtiestions. — i. What was the condition of the continental army ? What caused discontents ? What 
happened near Newburgh ? 5. What provisions did Congress make for the officers and soldiers of the 
Revolution? What military movement occurred? What can you tell of the Revolutionary soldiers? 
6. What did Washington now do? What interesting event occurred at Annapolis? 



CLOSING EVENTS OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. 241 



parting with them* [Dec. 4, 1'783]. He then hastened to Annapohs, in Maryland, 
where the Congress was in session, and on the 23d of December he resigned 
into its custody, the commission which he received [June 16, 1775] from that 
body more than eight years before."^ His address, on that occasion, was sim- 
ple and touching, and the response of general 
Mifflin,3 the president, was equally affecting. The 
spectacle was one of great moral sublimity. 
Like Cincinnatus, "Washington laid down the 
cares of State and returned to his plow. Al- 
ready the last hostile foot had departed^ [Nov. 
25] and his country was free and independent.^ 
7. A little while before the 
final disbanding of the army, 
many of the officers, then at 
Newburgh, on the Hudson,s 
met [June 19, 1783] at the 
head quarters of the Baron 
Steuben,''' situated about two 
miles from the Fiskill ferry, 

and there formed an association, which they named the 
Society of the Cincinnati. The chief objects of the So- 
ciety, were to promote cordial friendship and indissoluble 
union among themselves ; to commemorate, by frequent 
re-unions, the great struggle they had just passed through ; 
to use their best endeavors for the promotion of human 
liberty ; to cherish good feeling between the respective 
States ; and to extend benevolent aid to those of the Society 
whose circumstances might require it. They formed a 
General society, and elected Washington its first president. 
They also made provision for the formation of auxiliary 
State societies. To perpetuate the Association, it was pro- 
vided, in the constitution, that the eldest male descendant 
of an oriQ-inal member should be entitled to bear the 





GENEUAL MIFFLIN. 



1. On the 2d of November he issued a Fareicell Address to the 
Armies of' the United State.i; and on the 14th of the same month he 
made an arrangement with general Carletou for the British evacu- 
ation of New York. 

2. Verse 15, p. 178. 

3. Thomas MifiQin was bom in Philadelphia, in 1744. He was a 
Quaker [note 8, p. 90|, but joined the patriot army in 1775, and 
rapidly rose to tlie rank of major-general. He was a member of 
Congress after the war, and also governor of Pennsylvania. Ho 
died in January, 1800. 

4. The British evacuated New York on the 25th of November, 
and on that day, general Knox, the efficient artillery commander 
during the war, entered the city with a small remnant of the con- 
tinental army, and took possession. He was accompanied by 
governor George Clinton, of New York, and all the State officials. 
Before evening the last British soldier had departed from the Bay. 
Like governors Trumbull [note 5, p. 227] and Rutledge [verse 2, 
p. 221 j, Clinton, in a civil capacity, was of immense service to the 
American cause. He was born in Ulster county. New York, in 
1739. He was governor about eighteen years, and died in 1812, 
while Vice-President of the United Slates. See verse 18, p. 264. 

5. John Adams was the first minister of the United States to 
Great Britain. He was politely received by King George the 
Third, and that monarch was faithful to his promises. 

6. V«rse 4, p. 240. 7. Note 1, p. 213. 




GOVEUNOK CLU.TON. 



Question. — 7. What society was formed? and by whom: 
jecis ? What of its order ? 

11 



What was its organization? and what its ol 



242 THE REVOLUTION. 

Order, and enjoy the privileges of the Society, The Order^ consists of a gold 
eagle, suspended upon a ribbon, on the breast of which is a medallion with a 
device, representing Cincinnatus receiving the Roman senators.- Several State 
societies are yet [1854] in existence, 

8, Although the war was ended and peace was guarantied, the people had 
much to do in the adjustment of public affairs so as to lay the foundations of per- 
manent prosperity, and thus secure the liberty and independence proclaimed 
and acknowledged. The country was burdened with a heavy debt, foreign 
and domestic, 3 and the Articles of Confederation^ gave Congress no power to 
discharge them, if it had possessed the ability. On its recommendation, how- 
ever, the individual States attempted to raise their respective quotas, by direct 
taxation,5 But all were impoverished by the war, and it was found to be im- 
possible to provide means even to meet the arrears of pay due the soldiers of 
the Revolution. Each State had its local obligations to meet,^ and Congress 
could not coerce compliance with its recommendations. 

9. It was now perceived that, while the Articles of Confederation formed a 
sufficient constitution of government during the progress of war, they were not 
adapted to the public wants in the new condition of an independent sover- 
eignty, in which the people found themselves. There appeared a necessity for 
a greater centralization of power by which the States would not only be drawn 
into a closer union, but the general government could act more efficiently for the 
public good. A better system of commercial regulations was demanded; and 
in September 1786, delegates from six States convened at Annapohs, in Mary- 
land, to consider the matter. This convention suggested the propriety of hold- 
ing another, for the purpose of revising the Ai-ticles of Confederation^ For 
that labor, representatives of all the States but Rhode Island, met in the State 
House at Philadelphia'^ in May 1787, and chose general Washington to pre- 
side. After long deliberation, ^ and a clear perception of the utter inutility of 
the existing organic laws, the convention cast aside the Articles of Confederation 
and formed an entirely new instrument — the Federal Coxstitution under 
which we now live. 

1. Anorder is a badge, or visible token of regard or distinction, conferred upon persons for meritorious 
ser'tices. On the breast of Baron Steuben, on page 213, is the order of Fidelity, presented to him by 
Frederick the Great of Prussia, for his services in the army of that monarch. Some of the orders con- 
ferred by kings are very costly, being made of gold and silver, and precious stones. The picture of the 
order of the Cincinnati, given on the preceding page, is half the size of the original. 

2. Cincinnatus was a noble Roman citizen. When the Romans were menaced with destruction by an 
enemy, the Senate appointed delegates to invite Cincinnatus to assume the chief magistracy of the na- 
tion. They found him at his plow. He immediately complied, raised an army, subdued the enemy, 
and, after bearing the almost imperial dignity for fourteen days, he resigned his office, and returned to 
his plow. How like Cincinnatus were Washington and his compatriots of the War for Independence. 

3. According to an estimate made by the Register of the Treasury in 1790, the entire cost of the war 
for independence, was at least one hundred and thirty millions of "dollars, exclusive of vast sums lost 
by individuals and the several States. The treasury payments amounted to almost ninety-three mil- 
lions, chiefly in continental bills. The foreign debt amounted to eight millions of dollars ; and the 
domestic debt, due chiefly to the ofiBcers and soldiers of the Revolution, was more than thirty millions 
of dollars. 

4. Note 3, p. 196. 

5. This effort produced great excitement inmany of the States, and in Massachusetts, in 1787, the peo- 
ple openly rebelled. The insurrection became so formidable that an armed force of several thousand 
men was required to suppress it. The insurgents were led by Daniel Shay, and it is known in history 
as Shay^s Rehellion. 

6. In the Convention, which framed the Federal Constitution, no subject created more earnest debate 
than a proposition for the general government to assume the debts of the States contracted in providing 
means for carrying on the war. The debts of the several States were unequal. Those of Massachusetts 
and South Carolina, amounted to more than ten millions and a half of dollars, while the debts of all the 
other States did not extend, in the aggregate, to fifteen millions. This assumption was finally made, to 
the amount of $21,500,000. See verse 4, p. 246. 

7. Verse 2, p. 195. 8. Page 187. 

9. Such conflicting interests were represented in this Convention, that it was doubtful, for a long time, 



I 



Questions. — 8. What was the general condition of the country ? What was done for the common 
good? 9. What defects were seen in ibe form of government of the United States? What was done 
to improve it ? What instrument was formed ? 



1 



CLOSING EVENTS OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. 243 

10. The Constitution was submitted to Congress [Sept. 28, 1787], and that 
body sent copies of it to the several State Legislatures, in order that it mio-ht 
be considered in conventions of the people.' These were assembled, and The 
requsite number of States having ratified it,"2 Congress fixed the time for choosing 
electors^ for president and vice-president ; the time for making choice of these 
oflScers, and the time and place when and where the government should com- 
mence operations under the new constitution. On the 4th of March, 1789 the 
old Continental Congress expired, and the Federal Constitution became the 
organic law of the new Republic. Thus was consummated the last act in the 
War for Independence.* Then the United States of America commenced 
their glorious career. 

whether the members wonld come to any agreement ; and some proposed a final adjournment. At this 
momentous crisis, Dr. Franklin arose, and said to the President, " How has it happened, Sir, that wjiilo 
groping so long in the dark, divided in our opinions, and now ready to separate without accomplishing 
the great objects of our meeting, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to 
the Father of Lights to illuminate our understandings? In the beginning of the contest with liritain, 
when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room, for divine protection. Our pray- 
ers. Sir, were heard, and graciously answered." After a few more remarks, he moved that " hence- 
forth, prayers, imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this 
Assembly every morning before we proceed to business." The resolution was adopted : clergymen were 
invited to officiate ; greater harmony prevailed in the convention ; and so visible was the guidance of 
Divine Wisdom from that time, that the most skeptical was confounded. They went straight forward to 
the glorious termination of their labors. 

1. The new Constitution fonnd many and able opponents. There was a reluctance on the part of the 
people of several States to resign any of their State sovereignty into the hands of a Federal or central 
power. There were long and violent debates in the State conventions ; and the newspapers were filled 
with discussions. The Constitution found the most efficient support in a series of tssays called The. 
Federalist, written by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay. They had a powerful effect upon thepublic mind, 
and accomplished much in bringing about a ratification oJ the Constitution by a majority of the States. 

2. The conventions of the several States ratified the Constitution in the following order : — Delaware, 
Dec. 7, 1787 ; Pennsylvania, Dec. 12, 1787 ; New Jersey, Dec. 18, 1787 ; Georgia, Jan. 9, 1788 ; Connec- 
ticut, Jan. 9, 1788 ; Massachusetts, Feb. 6, 1788 ; Maryland, April 28, 1788 ; South Carolina, May 23, 
1788 ; New Hampshire, June 21, 1788 ; Virginia, June 26, 1788 ; New York, July 26, 1788 ; North Caro- 
lina, Nov. 21, 1789 ; Rhode Island, May 29, 1790. 

3. The first electors were to be chosen the first Wednesday in January, 1789, and they were to meet and 
choose a President and Vice-President of the United States, on the first Wednesday in February. The new 
government went into operation on the first Wednesday in March, 1789, in the city of New York. The 
inauguration of the first President [verse 1, p. 244] did not take place until the 30th of April following. 

4. For details of the history, biography, scenery, relics and traditions of the War for Independence, see 
Lossing'a Pictorial Field Book of the Revolution. 



Question. — 10. What was done with the Federal Constitution ? What important acts were done accord- 
ing to its provisions ? What was the crowning act of the War for Independence ? 




CHAPTER VI. 

THE CONFEDERATION. 

SECTION I. 
"WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTEATION. 

1^89—1797. 

1. When the Constitution^ had 
received the approval of the people 
and was made the supreme law 
of the Eepublic, all minds and 
hearts were turned toward Wash- 
ington as the best man to perform 
the responsible duties of chief mag- 
istrate of the nation. He was chosen [April 6, 1789] president of the United 
States by the unanimous vote of the electors,^ and John Adams was made 



GOUVERNEUR MORRIS. 



1. This instrument, in lanRuape and general arranprement, is the work of Oouverneur Morris, into 
whose hands the convention of 1787, placed the crude materials which had been adopted at various 
times during the session. Gouverneur Morris was born near New York, in 1752. He was a lawyer, and 
active in public life. In 1792 he was appointed minister to France, and after his return he was a 
legislator for many years. He died in 1816. 

2. These are men elected by the people in the various States, to meet and choose a President and 



Question.— \. What was done when the Constitution was adopted? What can you tell of the first 
President, and his inauguration ? 



fl 



WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION. 



245 



vice-president. Washington came from Mount Vernon, and was greeted with 
ovations by the people, thronghout his whole journey. On the 30th of April, 
he appeared upon the street-gallery of the old City HalP in New York, and 
there, in the presence of an immense concourse of people assembled in front, 
the oath of office was administered to liim 
by chancellor Livingston. 2 After deliver- 
ing an impressive address to the members 
of both houses of Congress, the president 
and the representatives of the people went 
in solemn procession to St. Paul's Church, 
and there invoked the blessings of the Su- 
preme Ruler upon the new government 
just inaugurated. 

2. Never were men called upon to per- 
form duties of greater responsibility, than 
those which demanded the consideration of 
Washington and his compeers. The first 
session^ was chiefly occupied in the organ- 
ization of the new government, and in 
the elaborating of schemes for the future 
prosperity of the Republic, The first efforts 
of Congress were directed to the arrange- 
ment of a system of revenues,^ to adjust 
and regulate the wretched financial affairs 
of the country. Three executive depart- 
ments — Treasury, War and Foreign Affairs 
— were created, the heads of which were to 
be styled secretaries, instead of ministers, 
as in Europe. These the president might 
appoint or dismiss with the concurrence 
of the Senate. They were to constitute a 
cabinet council, always ready for consulta- 
tion with the president, on public affairs, 
and bound to give him their opinions in 
writing, when required. 

3. A national judiciary was established, 
consisting of a supreme court, having one 
chief justice' and five associate jus- -Washington and his residence. 




Vice-President of the United States. Their number is equal to the -whole number of Senators and Rep- 
resentatives to which the several States are entitled. So the people do not vote directly for the Chief 
Magistrate. Formerly, the man who received the highest number of votes was declared to be President, 
and he who received the next highest number was proclaimed Vice-President. Now these are voted for 
as distinct candidates for separate offices. 

1. It stood on the site of the present Custom House, corner of Wall and Broad streets. In the picture 
on the preceding page, a correct representation of its street-gallery is given. 

2. One of the committee [verse 19, p. 187] to draft the Declaration of Independence. He was bom m 
New York in 1747, became a lawyer, and was always an active public man. He was minister to Franco 
in 1801, when he purchased Louisiana for the United States. See verse 2, p. 253. He died in 1813. 

3. Members of the House of Representati-ves are elected to seats for two years, and they hold two ses- 
sions or sittings, during that time. Each full term is called a Congre-is. Now our representatives are 
in the first session [1853-54] of the thirty-third Congress. Senators are elected by the State Legislatures 
to serve six years. 

4. Tonnage duties were levied, and also a tariff, or duties upon foreign goods. These duties were made 
favorable to American shipping. 

6. John Jay [verse 12, p. 248] of New York, one of the most active and acute lawyers in the country, 



Questions.— 2. What responsibilities were laid upon our first federal officers ? What was done by the 
first federal Congress? 3. What can you tell of a national Judiciary? What was done with the Con- 
stitution ? What appointments did Washington make ? 



246 



THE CONFEDERATION. 




tices ; ' and also Circuit and District courts, which had 
jurisdiction over certain specified cases. During the 
session, sixteen articles of amendments to the con- 
stitution were approved by Congress, ten of which 
were subsequently ratified by the States, and be- 
came a part of the federal compact. After a session 
of almost six months. Congress adjourned [Sept. 29, 
1789], and "Washington, having appointed his cabinet 
council, 2 made a brief tour through the northern and 
eastern States to make himself better acquainted 
with the people and resources. 

4. The second session of the first Congress com- 
menced in January, 1790, when Hamilton^ made 
some of those able financial reports, which estab- 
lished the general line of national policy for more 
than twenty years. On his recommendation, the general government assumed 
the public foreign and domestic debt, incurred by the late war, and also the 
State debts, contracted during that period.* A system of revenue from imposts 
and internal excise, proposed by Hamilton, was adopted ; and an act was passed 
making the District of Columbia^ the permanent seat of the Federal govern- 
ment, after the lapse of ten years from that date. 

5. A third session commenced in December, 1790, and before its close, 
measures were adopted which laid the foundations of public credit and national 
prosperity, deep and abiding. North Carolina [Nov. 21, 1789], and Rhode Island 
[May 29, 1790], had already become members of the Confederacy, by adopting 
the constitution; 6 and during this session, Vermont" was admitted [Feb. 18, 
1791] as a sovereign State. Settlements were now rapidly spreading beyond 
the Alleghanies,^ and tho sv.^ojjct of territorial organizations was pressed upon 



ALEXANDER HAMILTON. 



was appointed the first Chief Justice of the United States, and 
Edmund Randolph, of Virginia, was made Attorney-General. 
Randolph succeeded Patiick Henry as governor of Virginia in 
1786, and was very active in the Convention of 1787. See 
verse 9, p. 242. He succeeded Jefferson as Secretary of State, 
and died in 1813. 

1. John Rutledge [verse 2, p. 221] of S. C. ; James Wilson of 
Penn. ; William Custiing of Mass. ; Robert H. Harrison of Md. ; 
and John Blair of Va. 

2. Alexander Hamilton was appointed Secretary of the Treas- 
ury ; Henry Knox, Secretary of War ; and Thomas Jefferson, 
Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Jefferson was then United States 
minister at the court of France, and did not enter upon his duties 
until March 1790. The ofiice of Secretary of the Navy was not 
created until the presidency of Mr. Adams. Naval affairs were 
under the control of the Secretary of War. General Knox 
was one of the most efficient officers of the Revolution, having, 
from the beginning, the chief command of the artillery. He 
was bom in Boston in 1750, entered the army as captain of 
artillery, and rose to the rank of major-general. He resigned 
his secretaryship in 1794, and died in Maine in 1806. 

3. Alexander Hamilton was born in the island of Nevis, one 
of the British West Indies, in 1757. He joined the people of 

New York in their Revolutionary movements, while yet a student of King's (now Columbia) college. He 
■was Wasliington's secretary, and was always distinguished as a fine writer and accomplished soldier. 
He was truly one of the great men of our history. He was forced into a personal combat with Aaron 
Burr, which cost him his life in July, 1804. His widow is yet ^1854] living, at the age of ninety-seven years. 

4. Verse 8, p. 242. Government assumed the payment of State debts to the amount of $21,500,000. 

5. Verse 6, p. 252. 6. Verse 9, p. 242. 

7. Vermont was originally called the Neio Hampshire Grayifs, and was claimed by both New York and 
New Hampshire. In 1777, the people met in convention, and proclaimed the territory an independent 
State. After purchasing the claims of New York for $30,000, it was admitted into the Union. 

8. The first census, or enumeration of the inhabitants of the United States, was completed in 1791. 
The number of all sexes and colors, was 3,929,000. The number of slaves was 695,000. 




GENERAL KNOX. 



Questions. — i. What financial arrangements were made? Wliat in reference to the future seat of gov- 
ernment? 5. What three States were added to the Union? What settlements and territorial organiza- 
tiona were made ? 



Washington's administration. 247 

the consideration of Congress. Already the North- Western Territory^ embracing 
the present States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, ilieliigan, and "Wisconsin, had been 
estabhshed [July, 1787], and Tennessee had been constituted [March 26, 1790] 
the Temfory South- West of the Ohio. 

6. Pursuant to the recommendation of Hamilton, a national financial agent, 
called the Bank of the United States,* was incorporated, and provision was made 
for the establishment of a mint- for national coinage. 

7. For several years after the peace of 1783,3 the British held possession of 
western posts belonging to the United States, and the fact that they were con- 
tinually exciting the Indians against the American people, caused a prevalent 
belief that the British government yet hoped for an opportunity to bring the 
new Republic back to colonial dependence. Finally, in the Summer of 1790, 
the fostered discontents of the Indians were developed into open hostilities. At- 
tempts at pacific arrangements were fruitless, and general Harmer was sent into 
the Indian country north of the present Cincinnati, with quite a strong force, to 
desolate their villages and crops as Sullivan did those of the Senecas in 1779.-* 
In this he succeeded, but in two battles [Oct. 17 and 22, 1790], Hear the present 
village of Fort Wayne, in Indiana, he was defeated, with considerable loss. A year 
afterward, general St. Clair, s then governor of the North-Wcst Territory, marched 
into the Indian country, with two thousand men. Wlale in camp near the 
northern line of Darke county, Ohio, on the border of Indiana, he was surprised 
and defeated [Nov. 4, 1791] by the Indians, with a loss of about six hundred 
men. 

8. General Wayne^ was appointed to succeed St. Clair in military command, 
and he marched into the Indian country in the Autumn of 1793. He spent the 
Winter near the place of St. Clair's defeat, where he built Fort Recovery, and 
the following Summer [1794] he pushed forward to the Maumee river, and built 
Fort Defiance."'' He went down that stream with three thousand men, and not 
far from the present Maumee city, ^ he fought and defeated [Aug. 20] the Indians.^ 
He then laid waste their country ; and the following year the chiefs of the West- 
ern tribes met [Aug. 3 ,1795] commissioners of the United States, at Greenville,'" 
made a treaty of peace," and ceded to the latter a large tract of land in the 
present states of Michigan'^ and Indiana. After that, the United States had very 
little trouble with the Western Indians, until just before the breaking out of the 
war of 18 12-' 15. 13 

9. During the second session of the second Congress, party spirit became 
rampant among the people, as well as in the national legislature. Hamilton 
and Jefferson, the heads of distinct departments'^ in Washington's cabinet, dif- 

1. At that time the whole banking capital in the United States was only $2,000000, invested in 
the Bank of No th America at Philadelphia [verse.3, p. 230], the Bahk of New Y<rtL\ in New Yoik 
city, and the Bank of ilassachmettx, in Boston. The Bank of the United States began its operations in 
corporate form, in February, 1794, with a capital of $10,000,000. 

2. The first mint went into operation in 1792, in Philadelphia, and remained the sole issuer of coin, m 
the United States, until 1835, when a branch was established in each of the States of (Jeorgia, North 
Carolina, and Louisiana. 

3. Verse 3, p. 239. 4. Verse 14, p. 218. 5. Verse 18, p. 202. 6. Verse 11. p 217. 

7. At the junction of the Au Glaize with the Maumee river, in tlie south-east part of Wilhams county, 
Ohio. 

8. In the town of Waynesfield. The British then occupied a fort at (he Maumee rapids, near by. 

9. Verse 13, p. 15. 

10. In Darke county, Ohio. There Wayne built a fort in 1793. 

11. Verse 9, p. 14. ,„ „_ 

12. The British held possession of Detroit, and nearly all Michigan, until 1796. See ver,«e 12, p. 24». 

13. Verse 5, p. 260. 14. Verse 2, p. 245. 

QuefitionJi.—a. What can you tell of a bank and mint? 7. What caused ill feeling toward the British t 
How were Indians influenced, and what did they do? What battles and defeats occurred? 8. What 
can vou tell of Wayne's expedition into the Indian country? Wliiit was the result? 9. What can you 
tell of party spirit ? What special occurrence took place in 1792? What of the revolution m i ranee, 
and its influence in America? What happened? 



248 THE CONFEDERATION. 

fered materially concerning important public measures, and then was drawn 
those lines of party distinction, known as Federalist and Bepuhlicmi,^ which con- 
tinued for a quarter of a century. During the Summer of 1792, very little of 
public interest occurred, except the admission [June 1, 1792] of KentuckyS into 
the Union, but the marshalling of forces for the presidential election. In the 
Autumn, Washington and Adams were re-elected by large majorities, yet the 
Republican party were daily gaining strength. A bloody revolution was in pro- 
gress in France. The people there had abolished monarchy, and murdered their 
king, and the new Republic in name (a political chaos in reality), sent M. Genet 
as its minister to the United States, to obtain the co-operation of the American 
people. The French Republic had declared war against England, Spain, and 
Holland, and needed transatlantic assistance. Remembering tlie recent alliance,^ 
and sympathizing with all efforts for popular freedom, the Republican party 
here, and many of the Federalists, received Genet^ with open arms, and espoused 
his cause. 

10. Genet's zeal outstripped his prudence, and defeated his plans. Without 
waiting tor an expression of opinions or intentions from the government of the 
United States, he began to fit out privateers' in our ports, to depredate upon 
English, Dutch, and Spanish property f and when Washington prudently issued 
[May 9, 1793] a proclamation, declaring it to be the duty and the interest of the 
people of the United States to preserve a strict neutrality toward the contending 
powers of Europe, Genet persisted, and tried to excite hostility between our 
people and their government. Washington finally requested [July], and ob- 
tained his recall, and Fauchet, who succeeded him [1794], was instructed to as- 
sure the President that the French government disapproved of Genet's''' conduct. 
No doubt the prudence and firmness of Washington, at this time, saved our Re- 
public from utter ruin. 

11. A law passed in 1791, which imposed duties on domestic distilled liquors, 
was very unpopular ; and when, in 1794, officers were sent to enforce it among the 
Dutch inhabitants of western Pennsylvania, they were resisted by the people in 
arms.8 After issuing two proclamations [Aug. 7, Sept. 25] without effect, the 
president sent [October] a large body of militia, under general Henry Lee,^ to 
enforce obedience. The last argument was effectual. This event is known in 
history as the Whiskey Insurrection. 

12. While these internal commotions were disturbing the public tranquillity, 

1. The Federalists were those who favored the concentration of great power in the Federal Govern- 
ment. The Republicans were for diffusing: power among the people. 

2. Kentucky, which had been settled chiefly by Virginians, and was claimed as a part of the territory 
of that State, was now erected into a sovereign member of the confederation. Its first settlement was 
at Boonesboro, by Daniel Boone, in 1775. He and Clarke [verse 13, p. 218] were co-workers against the 
British and Indians, during the Revolution, and by extraordinary exertions, they redeemed a great portion 
of Kentucky from savage rule. Yet Boone died in 1820, at almost ninety years of age [note 1, p. 218], 
without owning sufficient land for a burial-place in all Kentucky. The legislature of Missouri gave him 
two thousand acres of wild land. 

3. Verse 26, p. 207. 

4. He arrived at Charleston in April, 1793, and then prepared for future operations. 

5. Note 4, p. 183. 

6. These cruisers brought captured vessels into our ports, and French consuls actually held courts of 
admiralty, and authorized the sale of the prizes; and all this was done before Genet was recognized as a 
miuister,by the American government. 

7. Edward Charles Genet was the son of a distinguished public man in France. He married a daughter 
of governor George Clinton [note 4 , p. 241], and remained in the United States. He died at Jamaica, 
Long Island, in 1834, aged seventy-two years. He left a large quantity of valuable papers, which a 
member of his family is now [1854] preparing for publication. 

8. The insurrection became general in all the western counties, and in the vicinity of Pittsburg many 
outrages were committed. Buildings were burnt, mails were robbed, and government officers were in- 
sulted and abused. It was estii^^ated that at one time the insurgents numbered seven thousand. 

9. Note 2, p. 233. 

Questions. — 10. What can you tell of the French minister. Genet? What did his conduct lead to? 
il. What law was unpopular? What occurred in western Pennsylvania? 12. What caused animosity 
between the governments of Great Britain and the United States ? What was done to remove the feel- 
ing ? What were the complaints ? 



Washington's administration. 



249 




JOHX JAY. 



a bitter feeling was growing up between tlie American and British governments, 
which threatened to involve the two nations in war. Each accused the other 
of infractions of the treaty of 1783/ and the dis- 
putes, daily assuming a more bitter tone, threatened 
to involve the two nations in another war. In 
order to avert an event so very undesirable, John 
Jay2 was appointed [April 19, 1794] an envoy ex- 
traordinary3 to the British court, to adjust all 
matters in dispute. The Americans complained 
that no indemnification had been made for negroes 
carried away at the close of the revolution;^ that 
the British held military posts on their frontiers, 
contrary to the ti'eaty ;5 that British emissaries 
had excited the hostility of the Indians f and that 
to retaliate on France, the English had captured 
our neutral vessels, and impressed our seamen^ 
into the British service. The British complained 
that stipulations concerning the property of Loy- 
alists,8 and also in relation to debts contracted in England before the close of 
the war, had not been comphed with. 

13. Mr. Jay negotiated a treaty which was not very satisfactory. It pro- 
vided for the collection of debts here, by British creditors, which had been 
contracted before the Revolution, but it procured no redress for those who had 
lost negroes. It secured indemnity for unlawful captures on the seas, and the 
evacuation of the forts on the frontiers, by the first of June, 1796. The treaty 
gave rise to violent debates in Congress, and in State legislatures, but was rat- 
ified by the Senate on the 24th of June, 1795.9 in October following, a treaty 
was concluded with Spain, by which boundaries between the Spanish territories 
of Louisiana and Florida, and the United States, were defined. That treaty 
also secured to the United States the free navigation of the Mississippi, and the 
use of New Orleans, as a port, for ten years. 

14. American commerce now began to find its way into the Mediterranean, 
but was there met by Algerine pirates, who seized the merchandize, and held 
the seamen in captivity, in order to procure ransom money. These depredations 
gave rise to efforts to organize a navy; and in 1794, Congress appropriated 
almost seven hundred thousand dollars for the purpose. But the United States 
were compelled to make a treaty [November 28, 1795] of peace with the 
dey of Algiers, by which an annual tribute was given for the redemption 
of captiyes, in accordance with the long-estabhshed usage of European nations.'" 

1. Verse 3, p. 239. 

2. John Jay was a descendant of a Hupnenot family [verse 12, p, 36], and was born in the city of 
New York in 1745. He was early in tlie ranks of active patriots, and rendered very important services 
during the Revolution. He retired from public life in ISOl, and died in 1S29, at the age of eighty -four 
years. His residence was at Bedford, Westchester county, New York. 

3. A minister appointed for a special purpose. 

4. During the last two years of the war in the Carolinas and Georgia, and at the final evacuation, the 
British plundered many plantations, and sold the negroes in the West Indies. 

5. Verse 3, p. 239. 6. Verse 7, p. 247. . • , o 

7. This practice was one of the causes which finally produced a war between the two nations, in 1812. 

8. The Loyalists endeavored to regain their confiscated estates, and also indemnity for their losses 
during the war. The British government paid to these sufferers more than $15,CKK),(KW. 

9. Ureat excitement succeeded. In several cities mobs threatened personal violence to the supporters 
of the treaty. Mr. Jay was burned in effigy [note 2, p. KB], Mr. Hamilton was stoned at a 
public meeting, and the British minister in Philadelphia, was insulted. But the treaty resulted m 
good. 

10. Between the years 1785 and 1793, the Algerine pirates captured and carried into Algiers, fifteen 

Questions.— IZ. What treaty was negotiated? What terms were agreed to ? How was it received by 
the Americans ? What other treaty was negotiated ? 14. What can you tell of American commerce and 
Algerine pirates ? 

II* 



250 



THE CONFEDERATIOISr. 



15. The admiuistration of "Washington now drew to a close. It had been 
one of vast importance and incessant action. All disputes with foreign nations, 
except France/ had been adjusted; government credit was established, and the 
nation was highly prosperous.^ The last year of his administration was signal- 
ized by the admission [June, 1796] ot Tennessee into the Union of States, making 

the number of confederated republics, sixteen. 
16. And novr came the first great strug- 
gle for ascendency, between the Feder- 
alists and the Republicans.^ The only 
man on whom the nation could unite 
was about to retire from public life. The 
Federalists nominated John Adams, and 
the Repubhcans, Thomas Jefferson, for the 
Presidency. The contest was fierce, and 
resulted in the election of Adams, with Jef- 
ferson for Vice-President. It was a victory 
for both parties. On the 4th of March 
following [1797], Mr. Adams was inaugurat- 
ed, and Washington, who had already is- 
sued [September, 1796], a Farewell Address 
to his countrymen, full of wisdom and pa- 
triotism, retired to the quietude of Mount 
Vernon, from which he was never again en- 
ticed to the performance of public duties. 




SECTION II. 



ADAMS, AND HIS RESIDENCE. 



ADAMS'S ADMINISTRATION. [1797 — 1801.] 

1. President Adams* adopted the federal 
cabinet council left by Washington,^ as his 
own, and resolved to pursue the general 
policy of his illustrious predecessor. The 
unpleasant relations existing between France 
and the United States, received the earliest 
and most earnest attention of the new ad- 
ministration, and by proclamation, the presi- 



American vessels, used the property, and made one hundred and eighty officers and seamen, slaves of 
the most revolting: kind. In 1795, the United States agreed, by treaty, to pay $800,000 for captives, then 
alive, and in addition, to make llie dey, or governor, a present of a frigate, worth $100,000. Au annual 
tribute of $23,000, in maritime stores, was also to be paid. This was complied with until the break- 
ing out of the war of 1812. 

1. TheFrenchgovernment was highly displeased because of the treaty made with England, by Mr. Jay, 
and even adopted hostile measures toward the United States. 

2. Commerce had wonderfully expanded. The exports had, infive years, incre&sed from $19,000,000, 
to more than $56,000,000, and the imports in about the same ratio. 

3. Note 1, p. 248. 

4. John Adams was born in Massachusetts, in 1735, and with Hancock and others, early took part in 
the popular movement at Boston. He was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and for a long 
time a representative of the United States in Europe. He died on the 4th of July [verse 4, p. 2o4], 1826. 

5. Timothy Pickering, Secretary of State ; Oliver Wolcott, Secretary of the Treasury ; James 51'Hen- 
Tv, Secretary of War ; and Charles I,ee, Attorney General. Washington's first cabinet had all resigned 
duriijg the early part of his second term of office (the President is elected for four years), and the above- 
named gentlemen were appointed during 1795, and 17%. 

Questions.— 15. What was the condition of the United States in 1796 f 16. What signal political even 
now occurred ? What did Washington do ? 1. What can you tell of the beginning of President Adamc's 
admiuistration ? What were the relations between France and the United States? 



ADAMS'S ADMINISTRATION, 251 

dent convened an extraordinary Congress on the 15th of May. 1797. In the 
m.eanwliile, our Government had been insulted by the French minister hero, 
and by the French Directory.' The American minister, Charles Cotesworth 
Pinckney, had been ordered to leave France, and that government had authorized 
depredations upon our commerce. 

2. Congress appointed [July] three envoys, 2 with Pinckney at their head, 
to proceed to France, and adjust all difficulties. They were refused an au- 
dience [October] with the Directory, unless they should first pay a large sum 
of money into the French Treasury. The demand was indignantly refused.s 
The two Federalist envoys (Marshall and Pinckney) were ordered out of the 
country, while Mr. Gerry, who was a Republican, and whose party sympa- 
thized with the measures of France, was allowed to remain. 

3. Perceiving the vanity of further attempts at negotiation. Congress, during 
its next session,^ and the country generally, began to prepare for war. Quite a 
large standing army was authorized [May, 1798], and as Washington approved 
of the measure, he was appointed [July] its commander-in-chief.^ A naval 
armament, and the capture of French vessels of war, was authorized ; and a 
naval department, with Benjamin Stoddart of Maryland, at its head, was cre- 
ated. Hostilities even commenced, on the ocean, and a vessel of each nation 
suffered capture,^ but the army was not summoned to the field. 

4. The dignified and decided measures^ adopted by the United States, hum- 
bled the proud tone of the French Directory, and that body made overtures for 
a peaceful adjustment of difficulties. President Adams immediately appointed 
[Feb. 26, 1799] three envoys^ to proceed to France and negotiate for peace, but 
when they arrived, the weak Directory was no more. The government was in 
the hands of Napoleon Bonaparte [Nov. 1799] as First Consul,^ whose audacity 
and energy now saved France from anarchy and utter ruin. He promptly re- 
ceived the United States ambassadors, concluded a treaty [Sept. 30, 1800], and 
gave such assurances of friendly feelings that, on the return of the ministers, 



1. The Republican government of France was administered by a council called th3 Directory. It 
■was composed of five members, and ruled in connection with two representative bodies, called, re- 
spectively, the Council of Ancients, and the Council of Five Hundred. The Directory was the head, or 
executive power of the government. 

2. C. C. Pinckney, Elbridge Gerry, and John Marshall. Pinckney was an active patriot in South 
Carolina during the Revolution ; Gerry was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and 
Marshall had been an active patriot and soldier. The latter was afterward Chief Justice of the United 
States, and administered the oath of office to several presidents. 

3. Those overtures were made by unofficial agents, employed by the French Directory. It was on 
this occasion that Pinckney uttered that noble sentiment; " Millions for defence, but not one cent for 
tribute." 

4. Convened in November, 1797. 

5. General Alexander Hamilton was appointed his lieutenant, and was the immediate and active com- 
mander-in-chief. It was hardly expected that Washington would engage in actual service. 

6. The United States frigate Constellation, captured the French frigate L' Insurtjcnte, in February, 
1799. That frigate had already taken the American schooner Jietaliation. On the first of February, 
ISOl), the ConMellation had an action with the French frigate La Vengeance, but escaped capture after a 
loss of one hundred and sixty men, killed and wounded. 

7. Two unpopular domestic measures were adopted in the Summer of 1798, known as the Alien and 
Sedition laws. The first authorized the President to expel from the country any alien (not a citizen) who 
should be suspected of conspiring against the Republic. It was computed that there were more 
than thirty thousand Frenchmen in the United States. The Sedition law authorized the suppression of 
publications calculated to weaken the authority of the government. These were unpopular, because they 
might lead to great abuses. 

8. W. V. Murray, Oliver Ellsworth, and Patrick Henry. Mr. Henry declined, and Wm. R. Davie 
[note 3, p. 226], of North Carolina, took his place. 

9. Bonaparte, Cambaceres, and the Abbe Sieyes, became the ruling power of France, with the title 
of Consuls, after the first had overthrown the Directory. Bonaparte was the First Consul, and was, in 
fact, an Autocrat, or one who rules by his own will. 



Questions. — 2. What occurred between the government of the United States and France f How were 
United States ministers treated? 3. What did Congress do? What preparations for war were made? 
4. What effect did these measures have ? What was done by Congress ? What changes had occurred in 
France ? and what results followed ? 



262 THE CONFEDERATIOISr. 

the provisional army of tlie United States was disbanded. Its illustrious com- 
mander-in-chief had already been removed by death. 

5. Washington died at Mount Yernon on the 14th of December, 1799, when al- 
most sixty-eight years of age. No event since the foundation of the govern- 
ment, had made such an impression on the public mind. The national grief was 
sincere, and party spirit was hushed into silence, at his grave. All hearts united 
in homage to the memory of him who was properly regarded as the Father of 
his Country. Impressive funeral ceremonies were observed by Congress, and 
throughout the country. General Henry Lee,' of Virginia, delivered [Dec. 26, 
1799], an eloquent funeral oration before the national legislature, and the recom- 
mendation of that body for the people of the United States to wear crape on 
their left arms for thirty days, was generally complied with.2 The whole nation 
put on tokens of mourning. The death of Washington made a profound impress- 
ion in Europe, also. To the people there, who were aspiring for freedom, it 
seemed as if a bright star had disappeared from the firmament of their hopes. 

6. Yery little of general interest occurred during the remainder of Air. Adams's 
administration, except the removal of the seat of the Federal Government to 
the district of Columbia, 3 during the Summer of 1800; the admission [May, 
1800] of the country between the western frontier of Georgia and the Missis- 
sippi river, into the Union, as the Alississippi Territory^ and the election of a new 
President of the United States. Now, again, came a severe struggle between 
the Federalists and Republicans, for political power. Tlie former nominated Mr. 
Adams and Charles Cotesworth Pinckney,-* for President ; the latter nominated 
Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr,5 for the same office. In consequence of dis- 
sensions among Federalist leaders, and the rapid development of ultra-democratic 
ideas among the people, the Republican party was successful. Jefferson and 
Burr had the same number of votes. The former was afterward elected presi- 
dent by the House of Representatives.^ 



^ « » » « « ^ 

SECTION III. 

JEFFERSON'S ADMINISTRATION. [1801-1809.] 

1. Mr. Jefferson''' was inaugurated [March 4, 1801] in the new capitol, at Wash- 
ington city. The official oath was administered by his revolutionary compatriot, 
John Marshall, then chief justice of the United States, He retained, for a short 

1. Verses 9, p. 232, and 11, p. 248. 

2. Congress also resolved to erect a mansoleum, or monument, at Washington city, to his memory, 
but the resolution has never been carried into effect. A magnificent one is now in course of erection 
there, to be paid for by individual subscriptions. 

3. Verse 4, p. 246. A tract ten miles square, on each side of the Potomac, and ceded to the United States 
by Maryland and Virginia in 1790. The city of Washington was laid out there in 1791, and the erection 
of the Capitol was commenced in 1793. 

4. Verse 1, p. 250. 5. Verse 6, p. 255. 

6. When the electors counted the votes, Jefferson and Burr had an equal number. The choice was 
therefore transferred to the House of Representatives, according to the provisions of the Constitution. 
The choice finally fell upon Mr. Jefferson, after thirty-five ballottings ; and Mr. Burr was proclaim- 
ed vice-president. During 1800, another enumeration of the inhabitants of the Union was made. The 
popnhition was then 5,319,762, an increase of 1,400,000 in ten years. The revenue, which amounted to 
§4,771,000 in 1790, amounted to almost $13,000,000 in 1800. 

7. Thomas Jefiferson was born in Virginia in 1743. He was a signer of the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence [verse 10, p. 187], governor of Virginia, and a foreign minister. He retired from public life in 
1809, and died on the 4th of Ju'y [verse 4, p. 254], 1826. 



Questions. — 6, What can you tell of the death of Washington ? What public honors were awarded T 
What of public feeling? 6. What principal events occurred during the year 1800? 1. What of Jefferson's 
inauguration ? What of his appointments to office f 



JEFFERSON'S ADMINISTRATION. 



253 




JEFFERSON AND HIS RESIDENCE. 



leans, and the District of Louisiana. 

3. The insolence of the piratical powers on the 



time, Mr. Adams's secretaries of the treasury 
and navy/ but called Republicans to fill the 
other seats in his cabinet.^ The Federal 
party, while in power, having generally ex- 
cluded Republicans from office, Jefferson 
felt justified in giving places to his own 
political friends. He made many removals 
from official station throughout the country, 
and then commenced the second act in the 
system of political proscription, which has 
not always proved wise or salutary. 

2. Jeflerson's administration was signal- 
ized, at the beginning, by the repeal of the 
act imposing internal duties,^ and other ob- 
noxious and unpopular laws. Vigor and 
enlightened views marked his course ; and 
even his political opponents confessed his 
forecast and wisdom, in many things. Dur- 
ing his first term, one State and two Terri- 
tories were added to the confederacy. A 
part of the North- Western Territory^ be- 
came a State, under the name of Ohio,^ in 
the Autumn of 1802 ; and in the Spring of 
1803, Louisiana 
was purchased 
[April, 1803] of 
i^'rance,^ for fif- 
teen millions of 
dollars. Out of it 
two Territories 
were formed, 
called respect- 
ively the Terri- 
tory of New Or- 




UNITED STATES KKIGATE. 



1. Samuel Dexter and Benjamin Stoddart. 

2. James Madison, Secretary of State ; Henry Dearborn, Secretary of War ; Levi Lincoln, Attorney 
General. Before the meeting of Congress in December, he appointed Albert Gallatin, Secretary of the 
Treasury, and Robert Smith, Secretary of the Navy. They were both Republicans. 

3. Verse 11, 248. 4. Verse 5, p. 246. 

5. No section of the Union had increased, in population and resources, so rapidly as Ohio. It was es- 
timated that, during the year 1788, full 20,000 men, women and children, had passed down the Ohio 
river, to become settlers in the North-Western Territory. When Ohio was admitted as a .'^tate, it contained 
a population of about 72,000. When, in 1800, Ohio was formed into a Territt)ry, the residue of the North- 
West Territory remained as one until 1809, when the two Territories of Indiana and Illinois were 
formed. 

6. In violation of a treaty made in the year 1795, the Spanish governor of Louisiana closed the 
port of New Orleans in 1802. Great excitement prevailed througliout the western settlements ; and a 
proposition was made in Congress, to take forcible possession of the Territory. It was ascertained that 
by a secret treaty, the country had been ceded to France, by Spain. Negotiations for its purchase were 
immediately opened with Napoleon, and the bargain was consummated in April, 1803. The United 
States took peaceable possession in the Autumn of that year. It contained about 85,000 mixed inhabit- 
ants, and about 40,000 negro slaves. When this bargain was consummated. Napoleon said, prophet- 
ically, "This accession of territory strengthens forever the power of the United States ; and I have 
just given to England a maritime rival that will sooner or later humble her pride." 



Questions.— 2. What signalized Jefferson's administration ? What additions were made to the Union f 
3. What occurred in relation to the pirates of the Mediterranean ? What can you tell of an expedition 
against them ? 



254 



THE CONFEDERATION. 





southern shores of the Mediterranean,^ became unendurable ; 2 and the United 
States government now determined to cease paying tribute to them. The ba- 
shaw of TripoU declared war [June 10, 1801] 
against the United States ; and captain Bain- 
bridge was ordered to cruise in the Mediter- 
ranean to protect American commerce. In 
1803, commodore Preble was sent thither 
to humble the pirates. After bringing the 
emperor of Morocco to terms, he appeared 
before Tripoli, with his squadron. One of his 
vessels (the Philadelphia), commanded by 
Bainbridge,3 struck on a rock in the harbor, 

while reconnoiter- 
ing ; and before 
she could be ex- 
tricated, she was 
captured [Oct. 31, 
1803] by the Tri- 
politans. The offi- 
cers were treated as prisoners of war, but the crew 
were made slaves. 

4. Early the following year, lieutenant Decatur, 4 
with only seventy-six men, sailed into the harbor 
in the evening [Feb. 3, 1804] ; and running alongside 
the Philadelphia (which lay moored near the castle, 
and guarded by a large number of Tripolitans), board- 
ed her, killed or drove into the sea all of her turbaned 
defenders, set her on fire, and under cover of a 
heavy cannonade from the American squadron, es- 
caped, without losing a man.^ This bold act humbled and alarmed the bashaw ;® 
yet his capital withstood a heavy bombardment, and his gun-boats gallantly 
sustained a severe action [Aug. 3] with the American vessels. 

5. Through the aid of Hamet Caramelli, brother of the reigning ba- 
shaw (or governor) of Tripoh, favorable terms of peace were secured, the 
following year. The bashaw was a usurper, and Hamet, the rightful heir to 



COMMODORE BAINBBIDGE. 



LIEUTENANT DECATUR. 



1. Morocco, Algiers, Tunis and Tripoli, in Africa. They are known as the Barhary Powers. 

2. In September, 1800, captain Bainbridge arrived at Algiers, in the frigate George Washington, with 
the annual tribute money [verse 14, p. 249]. The dey, or governor, demanded the use of his vessel to 
carry au ambassador to Constantinople. Bainbridge remonstrated, when the dey haughtily observed, 
" You pay me tribute, by which you become my slaves, and therefore I have a right to order you, as I 
think proper." Bainbridge was obliged to comply, for the castle guns would not allow him to pass out 
of the harbor. He had the honor of first displaying the American flag before the ancient city of Constan- 
tinople. The Sultan regarded it as a favorable omen of future friendship, because his flag bore a cres- 
cent or half-moon, and the American, a group oi stars. 

3. William Bainbridge was born in New Jersey in 1774. He was captain of a merchant vessel at the 
age of nineteen years, and entered the naval service in 1798. He was distinguished during the second 
War for Independence [verse 6, p. 260], and died in IB.*^. 

4. Stephen Decatur was born in Maryland in 1779. He entered the navy at the age of nineteen years. 
After his last cruise in the Mediterranean, he superintended the building of gun-boats. He rose "to the 
rank of commodore ; and during the second War for Independence [verse 6, p. 260], he was distinguish- 
ed for his skill and bravery. He afterward humbled the Barbary Powers [note 1, p. 254] ; and after 
returning home, he was killed in a duel with commodore Barron, in March, 1820. 

5. This act greatly enraged the Tripolitans, and the American prisoners were treated with the utmost 
severity. 

6. Bashaw, or Pacha [Pas-shaw], is the title of the governor of a province, or town, in the dominions 
of the Sultan (or emperor) of Turkey. These Barbary States are all under the Sultan's rule. 



Questions. — i. What bold act was performed in the harbor of Tripoli ? What were its efifects T 5. What 
remarkable expedition was undertaken ? What did it accomplish ? 



Jefferson's administration. 



255 




MOHAMMEDAN SOLDIER. 



the throne/ was an exile in Egypt. He readily concerted 
with captain "William Eaton, American consul at Tunis, in 
a plan for humbling the bashaw, and obtaining his own 
restoration to rightful authority. Captain Eaton acted un- 
der the sanction of his government, and early in March 
[March 6, 1805], he left Alexandria, with seventy United 
States seamen, accompanied by Hamet and his followers, 
and a few Egyptian troops. They made a journey of a 
thousand miles across the Libyan desert, and on the 27th 
of April, captured Derne, a Tripolitan city on the Mediter- 
ranean. Three weeks later [May 18], they had a successful 
battle with Tripolitan troops; and on the 18th of June they 
again defeated the forces of the bashaw, and pressed for- 
ward toward Tripoli. The terrified ruler had made terms of 
peace [June 3, 1805] with colonel Tobias Lear, American 
consul-general' in the Mediterranean, and thus disappoint- 
ed the laudable ambition of Eaton, and the hopes of Hamet.^ 
6. The great West was now rapidly filling with 
adventurers, and the materials for new States were 
gathering. Michigan was erected into a territory 
[1805], and all along the Mississippi, extensive set- 
tlements were locating. Taking advantage of the 
restless spirit of these settlers, and the general im- 
pression that the Spanish population of Louisiana 
would not quietly submit to the jurisdiction of the 
United States,^ Aaron Burr sought to make them 
subservient to his own ambitious purposes. His mur- 
der [July 12, 1804] of Hamilton in a duel,^ made 
him everywhere detested, and being superseded in 
the office of vice-president of the United States, 
by George Clinton,^ he sought a new field for 
achieving personal aggrandizement. In the Summer 
of 1806, he was active in the organization of a mil- 
itary expedition in the "West, and the secresy with 

which it was carried on, excited the suspicions of the general government. 
He was suspected of a design to dismember the Union, and to estabhsh an 
independent empire west of the Alleghanies, with himself at the head. He 




AARON BURR. 



1. The bashaw, who was a third son, had murdered his father and elder brother, and compelled Hamet 
to fly for his life. With quite a large number of followers he fled into Egypt. 

2. A consul is an officer appointed bv a government to reside in a foreign port, to have a general su- 
pervision of the commercial interests of his country there. In some cases they have powers almost equal 
to a minister. Such is the case with consuls within the ports of Mohammedan countries. The word 
coiisul was applied to Napoleon [verse 4, p. 251] in the ancient Roman sense. It was the title of the chief 
magistrate of Rome during the Republic. . , . 

3. Hamet afterward came to the United States, and applied to Congress for a remuneration for his ser- 
vices in favor of the Americans. He was unsuccessful. 

4. Verse 2 p. 253. 

5. A politi'cai quarrel led to fatal results. Burr had been informed of some remarks made by Hamil- 
ton, in public, derogatory to his character, and he demanded a retraction. Hamilton considered his de- 
mand unreasonable, and refused compliance. Burr challenged him to fight, and Hamilton reluctantly 
met him on the west side of the Hudson, near Hoboken, where they fought with pistols. Hamilton dis- 
charged his weapon in the air, but Burr took fatal aim, and his antagonist fell. Hamilton died the next 
day. His widow, the daughter of general Schuyler [verse 18, p. ISO], is yet [1854] living, at the age of 
ninety-six vears. , ^ ^,. ... „ , 

6. Jefferson's second election took place in the Autumn of 1805, and George Clinton, of New York, 
was chosen vice-president in the place of Burr. 



Questiom.—6. What can vou tell of settlements west of the Alleghanies? What nota 
is made in the Mississippi "Valley ? Who was at the head of it, and what was the result 



What notable movement 
? 



256 



THE CONFEDERATION. 




ROBERT FULTON. 



was arrested in the Mississippi Territory^ in February, 180'7, tried at Richmond, 
in Virginia, on a charge of treason, and acquitted. The testimony showed that 
his probable design was an invasion of Mexican provinces, and there to estab- 
lish an independent government.2 

7. The year 1807, is remarkable in American 
history, as the era of the commencement 
of successful steamboat navigation. Experi- 
ments in that direction had been made in 
this country many years before, but it was 
reserved for Robert Fulton to bear the honor 
of success. He spent many years in France, 
in the study of the subject, and through 
the influence and pecuniary aid of Robert R. 
Livingston, 3 he was enabled to construct a 
steamboat, and to make a voyage on the Hud- 
son, from New York to Albany, " against wind 
and tide," in thirty-six hours.-* He took out his 
first patent in 1809. Within a little more than 
forty years, the vast operations connected with 

steamboat navigation, have been brought into 
existence. 

8. The progress of events in Europe noW 
began to disturb the amicable relations which 
had subsisted between the governments of the 
United States and Great Britain, since the ratifi- 
cation of Jay's treaty.5 Napoleon Bonaparte 
was upon the throne of France as emperor, and 
in 1806 he was king of Italy, and his three 
brothers were made ruling monarchs. Although 
England had joined the continental powers against 
him [1803], in order to crush the Democratic revolution commenced in France, 
all Europe was yet trembling in his presence. But the United States, by 
maintaining a strict neutrality, neither coveted his favors nor feared his power ; 
at the same time American shipping being allowed free intercourse between 
English and French ports, enjoyed the vast advantages of a profitable carrying 
trade between them. 

9. But the belligerents, in their anxiety to damage each other, ceased to re- 
spect the laws of nations toward neutrals, and adopted measures at once destruc- 
tive to American commerce, and in violation of the most sacred rights of the 
United States. In this matter, Great Britain took the lead. By an order in 




FULTON'S STEAMBOAT. 



1. He was arrested by lieutenant (afterward major general) Gaines, near fort Stoddart, on the Tombig- 
bee river, in the present State of Alabama. 

2. Aaron Burr was born in New Jersey, in 1756 ? In his twentieth year he joined the continental ar- 
my, and accompanied Arnold [verse 21, p. 180] in his expedition against Quebec. Ill health compelled 
him to leave the army in 1779, and he became a distinguished lawyer and active public man. He died on 
Staten Island, near New York, in 1836. 

3. Note 2, p. 245. 

4. Robert Fulton was born in Pennsylvania, and was a student of West, the great painter, for several 
years. He had more genius for mechanics, than the fine arts, and he turned his efforts in that direction. 
He died in 1815, soon after launching a steamship of war, at the age of flfty years. 

5. Verse 12, p. 248. 



Questions. — 7. For what was the year 1807, remarkable? What can you tell of steam navigation? 
8. What of the progress of events in Europe? What can you tell of Napoleon Bonaparte ? How did 
events in Europe affect American commerce? 9. What evil did the warring parties do? What Eu- 
ropean measures affected the commerce of the United States ? What was the position of the United 
States ? 




Jefferson's administration. 257 

council,' that government declared [May 16, 1806] 
the whole coast of Europe, from the Elbe in Germa- 
ny, to Brest, in France, to be in a state of blockade. 
Napoleon retaliated by issuing [Nov. 21] a decree 
at Berlin, which declared all the ports of the British 
islands to be in a state of blockade.''^ Great Britain, 
by another order [Jan. 7, 1807] prohibited all coast 
trade with France, and thus the gamesters played with 
the world's peace and prosperity. American vessels 
were seized by both English and French cruisers, 
and American commerce dwindled to a domestic coast ^ felucca gun-boat. 

trade.3 The United States lacked a navy to pro- 
tect her commerce on the ocean, and the swarms of gun-boats,^ which Congress 
had authorized as a substitute, were quite inefficient, even as a coast-guard. 

10. The American merchants and all in their interest, so deeply injured by 
the " orders " and " decrees "^ of the warring monarchs, demanded redress of griev- 
ances. Great excitement prevailed throughout the country, and the most bitter 
feeling was beginning to be felt against Great Britain. This was increased by 
her haughty assertion and offensive practice of the doctrine that she had the 
right to search American vessels for suspected deserters from the British navy,^ 
and to carry away the suspected without hinderance. This right was strenu- 
ously denied, and its policy vehemently condemned, because American seamen 
might be thus forced into the British service, under the pretence that they were 
deserters. Indeed, this had already happened.''' 

11. A crisis approached. Four seamen on board the United States frigate 
Chesapeake^ were claimed as deserters from the British armed ship Melampios.^ 
They were demanded, but commodore Barron, of the G hesajyeake, refused to 
give them up. The Chesapeake left the capes of Virginia on a cruise on the 
22d of June, 1807, and on the same day she was chased and attacked by the 
British frigate Leopard. Unsuspicious of danger and unprepared for an attack, 
Barron surrendered his vessel, after losing three men killed and eighteen wound- 
ed. The four men were then taken on board the Leopard^ and the Chesapeake 
returned to Hampton roads.^ Investigation proved that three of the seamen (col- 

1. The British privy council consists of an indefinite number of gentlemen, chosen by the sovereign, 
and having no direct connection with the cabinet ministers. The sovereign may, under the advice of this 
council, issue orders or proclamations which, if not contrary to existing laws, are binding upon the sub- 
jects. These are for temporary purposes, and are called Orders in Council. 

2. Napoleon intended this as a blow against England's maritime superiority, and it was the beginning 
of what he termed the Continental System, the chief object of which was the ruin of (Jreat Britain. 

3. In May, 1806, James Monroe [verse 1, p. 270] and William Pinckney, were appointed to assist 
in the negotiation of a treaty with Great Britain, concerning the rights of neutrals, the imprisonment 
of seamen, right of search, &c. A treaty was finally signed, but as it did not otTer security to American 
vessels against the aggressions of British ships in searching them and carrying off seamen, Mr. Jefferson 
refused to submit it to the Senate, and rejected it. The Federalists condemned the course of the Presi- 
dent, but subsequent events proved his wisdom. 

4. These were small sailing vessels, having a cannon at the bow and stern, and manned by full armed 
men for the purpose of boarding other vessels. 

5. Verse 9, p. 256. 

6. England maintains the doctrine that a British subject can never become an alien. At the time in 
question, she held that she had the right to take her native born subjects wherever found, and place 
them in the army or navy, even though by legal process, they had become citizens of another nation. 
Onr laws give equal protection to the native and adopted citizens, and would not allow Great Britain to 
exercise her asserted privilege toward a Briton who had become a citizen of the United States. 

7. During nine months, in the years 1796 and 1797, Mr. King, the American minister in London, had 
made application for the release of 271 seamen, (a greater portion of whom were Americans), who had 
been seized on the false charge of being deserters, and pressed into the British service. 

8. A small British squadron, of which the Melnmpus was one, was lying in I>ynM Haven bay, at the 
mouth of the Chesapeake bay, at this time. It was commanded by Admiral Berkeley. 

9. Note 9, p. 216. 



Questiom.— 10. Wliat caused public excitement in the United States? What British doctrine was 
promulgated and opposed ? 11. What hostile events occurred in 1807 ? 



258 THE CONFEDERATION. 

ered men) were native Americans, and that the fourth had been impressed into 
the British service, and had deserted. 

12. This outrage aroused the nation and provoked retahatory measures. The 
president issued a proclamation in July [1807], ordering all British armed ves- 
sels to leave the waters of the United States immediately, and forbidding any to 
enter, until full satisfaction for the recent insult, and security against future ag- 
gressions, should be made. Diplomacy, which is seldom honest, was immedi- 
ately employed to mistify the plain question of law and right ; ^ and, in the 
meanwhile, France and England continued to play their desperate commercial 
game, unmindful of the interests of other nations, or the obligations of international 
law. A British order in council- was issued on the 1 1th of November 1807, forbid- 
ding neutral nations to trade with France or her allies, excepting upon pay- 
ment of a tribute to Great Britain. Napoleon retaliated by issuing [Dec. 17] a 
decree at Milan, forbidding all trade with England or her colonies; and author- 
izing the confiscation of any vessel found in his ports, which had submitted to 
English search, or paid the exacted tribute. When the American Congress met 
[Dec. 22], that body decreed an embargo^ which detained all vessels, American 
and foreign, in our ports ; and ordered American vessels abroad to return home 
immediately, that the seamen might be trained for the inevitable war. Thus 
the chief commerce of the world was brought to a full stop. 

13. The embargo was a very unpopular measure with the commercial people 
of the United States, for it spread ruin throughout the shipping interest. It 
was denounced, also, by the Federal party ; and as it failed to obtain from Eng- 
land and France, any acknowledgment of American rights, it was repealed on 
the 1st of March, 1809, three days before Mr. Jefferson retired from office. 
Congress, at the same time, passed [March 1, 1809] a law which forbade all 
commercial intercourse with France and England, until the " orders in council" 
and the "decrees"^ should be repealed. 

14. Mr. Jefferson having served his country as chief magistrate for eight con- 
secutive years, now retired to private life ; and James Madison, who had been 
elected to succeed him, in the previous Autumn, entered upon his duties [March 
4], with George Chnton* as vice-president. 

■»• ♦ >»■ 



SECTION IV. 

MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. [1809 — 1817.] 

1. No man appeared better fitted for the office of chief magistrate of the Re- 
public at that time of general commotion, than Mr. Madison.^ He had been Sec- 

1. The President forwarded instructions to Mr. Monroe, our minister in England, to demand immedi- 
ate satisfaction for the outrage, and security against simihir events, in future. Great Britain thereupon 
despatched an envoy extraordinary to the United States, to settle the difficulty in question. The envoy 
would not enter iuto negotiations until the president should withdraw his proclamation, and so the mat- 
ter stood until November, 1811 (more than four years), when the British government declared the attack 
on the Chesapeake \.o have been unauthorized, and promised pecuniary aid to the families of those wlio 
were killed, at that time. But Britain would not relinquish the right of search, and so a cause for quar- 
rel remained. 

2. Note 1, p. 257. 3. Verse 9, p. 256. 4. Note 4, p. 241. 

5. James Madison was horn in Virginia, in 1751. He was a member of the Continental Congress and 
one of the chief supporters [note 3, p. 243J of the Federal Constitution. He was a vigorous and volumi- 
nous political writer. He retired from public life in 1817, and died in 1836. 



Questions. — 12. What did the government of the Urited States do? What did diplomacy do? What 
measures suspended the commerce of the world ? 13. How was the embargo regarded ? What was done 
by Congress? 14. What government change took place ? 1. What can you say of Madison ? What of 
Lis cabinet ? What of the eleventh Congress ? 



Madison's administration. 



259 



retary of State during the whole administra- 
tion of Mr. Jefferson, and was familiar with 
every event which had contributed to pro- 
duce the existing hostile relations between 
the United States and Great Britain. His 
cabinet^ was composed of able men ; and in 
the eleventh Congress,'^ which convened on 
the 22d of May, 1809, in consequence of the 
critical state of affairs, there was a majority 
of his political friends. Yet there was a 
powerful party in the country (the Federal- 
ists)^ hostile to his political creed, and op- 
posed to a war with England, which now 
seemed probable. 

2. Light beamed upon the future at the 
beginning of Madison's administration, but 
it proved deceitful. Mr. Erskine, the Brit- 
ish minister, assured the President, that 
such portions of the orders in council^ as af- 
fected the United States, should be repealed 
by the 10th of June. He also assured him 
that a special envoy would soon arrive, to 
settle all matters in dispute between the 
two governments. Supposing the minister 
to be authorized to make these assurances, 
the president, as empowered by Congress, 
issued a proclamation [April 19, 1809], per- 
mitting a renewal of commercial intercourse 
with Great Britain, on that day. But the 
government disavowed Erskine's act, and 
the president again proclaimed [Aug. 10] 
non-intercourse. This event caused great 
resentment in the public mind ; and had the 
president then declared war against Great 
Britain, it would doubtless have been very popular. 

3. Causes for irritation between the two governments continually increased, 
and, for a time, political intercourse was suspended. France, too, continued its 
aggressions. On the 23d of March, 1810, Bonaparte issued a decree at Rambouil- 
let, more destructive in its operations to American commerce, than any meas- 
ures hitherto employed.^ Three months later [May, 1810], Congress offered to 
resume commercial intercourse with either France or England, or both, on con- 
dition that they should repeal their obnoxious orders and decrees, before the 3d 
of March, 1811.6 The French emperor feigned compliance, and by giving as- 




MADISON AMD BIS RESIDENCE. 



1. Robert Smith, Secretary of State ; Albert Gallatin, Secretary of the Treasury ; William Eustis, Sec- 
retary of War ; Paul Hamilton, Secretary of the Navy ; Caesar Rodney, Attorney-General. 

2. Its session lasted only about live weeks, because peace seemed probable, 

3. Verse 9, p. 247. 4, Verse 9, p. 236. 

5. It declared forfeit every American vessel which had entered French ports since March 1810, or that 
might thereafter enter ; and authorized the sale of the same, together with the cargoes, the money to be 
placed in the French treasury. Under this decree many American vessels were lost, for which only par- 
tial remuneration has since been obtained [note 1, p. 291]. Bonaparte justified this decree by the plea 
that it was made in retaliation for the American decree of non-intercourt^e. Verse 12, p. 258. 

6. The act provided that if either government should repeal its obnoxious acts, and if the other gov- 



Question3.—2. What good omens appeared? What did the United States government do? What dis- 
(Dointments followed? 3. What were the relations between the United States, and Great Jintam ar.a 



appo 

France, in 1810? How did Bonaparte act? 



260 THE CONFEDERATION. 

surance [August] that such repeal should take effect in November, caused the 
president to proclaim such resumption of intercourse. But American vessels 
continued to be seized by French cruisers, and confiscated; and in March, 1811, 
Napoleon declared the decrees of Berhn' and Milan'"' to be the fundamental 
laws of his empire. 

4. Great Britain acted more honorably though wickedly. She continued her 
hostile orders, and sent ships of war to cruise near the principal ports of the 
United States, to intercept American merchant vessels and send them to England 
as lawful prizes. "While engaged in this nefarious business, the British sloop of 
war, 3 Little Belt, captain Bingham, was met [April 16, 1811] off the coast of 
Virginia by the American frigate President, commodore Rogers.-* That oflfi- 
cer hailed the commander of the sloop, and received a cannon shot in reply. A 
brief action ensued, when captain Bingham, after having eleven men killed and 
twenty-one wounded, gave a satisfactory answer to Rogers. The conduct of 
both officers was approved by their respective governments.^ 

5. During 1811, events occurred which led to a declaration of war against 
Great Britain, by the United States.^ It had been evident, for a long time, that 
British emissaries were exciting the western Indians against the Americans; 
and in the Spring of 1811, it became certain that Tecumseh, a Shawnee' chief, 
who possessed the qualities of a great leader, almost equal to those of Pontiac,^ 
was endeavoring to emulate that great Ottawa by confederating the tribes of 
the north-west, in a war against the people of the United States. During the 
Summer [1811] the frontier settlers, became so alarmed, that general Harrison,^ 
then governor of the Indiana Territory, '^ marched, with a considerable force, to- 
ward the town of the Prophet, an influential brother of Tecumseh," situated 
at the junction of the Tippecanoe and Wabash ri vers. '^ The Prophet appeared 
and proposed a conference, but Harrison, suspecting treachery, caused his sol- 
diers to sleep on their arms [Nov. 6, 1811] that night. At four o'clock the next 
morning [Nov. 7] the savages fell upon the American camp, but after a bloody 
battle until dawn, the Indians were repulsed. The battle of Tippecanoe was 
one of the most desperate ever fought with the Indians, and the loss was heavy 
on both sides. Tecumseh was not present on this occasion, and it is said tho 
Prophet took no part in the engagement. 

6. Now, throughout the entire West, and in the Middle and Southern States, 
there was a desire for war. Yet the administration fully appreciated the deep 
responsibility involved in such a step ; and having almost the entke body of the 

ernment should not do the same within three months thereafter, then the first should enjoy commercial 
intercourse with the United States, but the other should not. 

I. Verse 9, p. 256. 2. Verse 12, p. 258. 3. Page 263. 

4. Died in the Naval Asylum, in Philadelphia, in August, 1838. 

5. Powerful as was the navy of Great Britain, and weak as was that of the United States, the latter 
was willing to accept of war as an alternative for submission, and to measure strength on the ocean. 
The British navy consisted of almost nine hundred vessels, with an aggregate of one hundred and forty- 
four thousand men. The American vessels of war, of large size, numbered only twelve, with an aggre- 
gate of about three hundred guns. Besides these, there were a great number of gun -boats [note 4, p. 
257]. It must be remembered, however, that the British navy was necessarily very much scattered, for 
that government had interests to protect in various parts of the globe. 

6. Verse 6, p. 260. 7. Verse 9, p. 14. 8. Verse 50, p. 156. 
9. Verse 1, p. 264. 10. Note 5, p. 253. 

II. He was a fierce and cruel warrior. In 1809 general Harrison had negotiated a treaty with the Mi- 
amies [verse 7, p. 14] and other tribes, by which they sold to the United States a large tract of land on 
both sides of the Wabash. The Prophet was present and made no objection ; but Tecumseh, who was 
absent, was greatly dissatisfied. The British emissaries took advantage of this dissatisfaction, to inflame 
him and his people against the Americans. 

12. In the upper part of Tippecanoe county, Indiana. 



Questions. — i. What did Great Britain do? What hostile event occurred? 5. What led to a Declar- 
ation of War against Great Britain? What can you tell of the Indians, and war with them? 6. What 
were the feelings of a majority of the American people? How was the administration embarrassed? 
What of the Declaration of War? 



Madison's administration. 261 

New England people in opposition, they hesitated. The British orders in coun- 
cil were rigorously enforced ; insult after insult was offered to the American flag • 
and the British press insolently boasted that the United States " could not be 
kicked into a war." Forbearance became no longer a virtue, and on the 4th of 
April, 1812, Congress laid another embargo^ upon vessels in American waters, 
for ninety days. In June, the president, by the authority of Congress'^ issued 
a proclamation which formally declared war against Great Britain.^ This is 
known in history as The "War op 1812 ; or 

THE SECOND WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE.^ 

•7. Congress passed an act which gave the Presi- 
dent authority to enlist twenty-five thousand men, 
to accept fifty thousand volunteers, and to call out 
one hundred thousand militia for the defense of the 
sea-coast and frontiers. Henry Dearborn,^ an officer 
of the Revolution, was appointed major-general and 
commander-in-chief; and his principal brigadiers 
were James "Wilkinson.^ "Wade Hampton,"^ "William 
HulF and Joseph Bloomfield, all of them esteemed 
soldiers of the Revolution. 

8. General Hull was governor of Michigan; and 
when war was declared, he was marching with two 
thousand troops from Ohio, to attempt the subjuga- 
tion of the hostile Indians.^ Congress authorized him 
to invade Canada; and on the 12th of July, 1812, ho ge.seral dearbokxv. 
crossed the Detroit River with his whole force, to at- 
tack Fort Maiden, a British post near the present village of Amherstburg. At 
Sandwich, he encamped, and by a fatal delay, lost every advantage which an 
immediate attack might have secured. In the meanwhile. Fort Mackinaw, one 
of the strongest posts of the United States in the north-west, was surprised 
and captured [July 11, 1812] by an allied force of British and Indians; and on 
the 5th of August, a detachment under major Van Home, sent by Hull to escort 
an approaching supply-party to camp, were defeated by some British and 

1. Verse 12, p. 258. , ^ „ ^ , 

2. On the 4th of June, 1812, a bill, drawn up bv Mr. Pinckney, and presented by Mr. Calhoun, declar- 
ing war to exist between the United States and Great Britain, passed the House of Representatives by a 
vote of 79 to 49. On the 17th it passed the Senate by a vote of 19 to 13, and on that day received the sig- 
nature of the presMent. He issued his war manifesto two days afterward. 

3. The chief causes for this act were the impressment of American seamen by the British ; the block- 
ade of French ports without an adetiuate force to sustain the order ; and the British Orders in Counril. 
The Federalists in Congress presented an ably -written protest, which denied the necessity or the expe- 
diency of war. 

4. This is an appropriate title, for, until the termination of that war, the United States were only nomi- 
nally free. Blessed with prosperity, the people dreaded war, and submitted to many acts of tyranny 
and insult from Great Britain and France, rather than become involved in another conflict. Socially 
and commercially, the United States were dependent upon Europe, and especially upon England ; and 
the latter was rapidly acquiring a dangerous political influence here, when the war broke out. The war 
begun in 1775, was really only the first great step toward independence ; the war begun in 1812, first thor- 
oughly accomplished it. Franklin once heard a person speaking of the Revolution as the »«r oj Inde- 
pendence, and reproved him saying, " Sir, you mean the Revolution ; the war of Independence is yet 
to come. It was a war /or Independence, but not o/ Independence." . 

5. Henry Dearborn was a native of New Hampshire, and a meritorious officer in the continental army. 
He accompanied Arnold to Quebec, and was distinguished in the battles which ruined Bvirgoyne (verse 
23, p. 205]. He held civil olfices of trust after the Revolution. He returned to private lite in 1615, and 
died at Roxbury, near Boston, in 1829, at the age of seventy-eight years. 

6. Verse 13, p. 269. 7. Note 13, p. 269. 8. Verse 9, p. 262. 9. Verse 5, p. 260. 




Qu^iions.—l. What preparation did Congress make for war? What military appointments were 
made? 8. Who had command in the North-west? What did Congress order? What military occur- 
rences took place T 



262 THE CONFEDERATION. 

Indians near Brownstown, on the Huron river. ^ Tliese events, and the rein- 
forcement of the garrison at Maiden by general Brock, the British commander- 
in-chief, caused Hull to recross [August 7] the river, abandon the expedition 
against Canada, and take post at Detroit, much to the disappointment of his 
troops. 

9. Brock followed [Aug 9], and crossed the river with seven hundred British 
troops and six hundred Indians. He demanded an instant surrender of Detroit, 
and threatened to give free rein to Indian cruelty, in the event of refusal. 
Hull's excessive prudence, amounting, in this instance, to practical cowardice, 
determined him to surrender, rather than expose his troops to the hatchet. 
When the assailants approached, and at the moment when the Americans were 
hoping for and expecting a command to fire, he ordered his troops to retire 
within the fort, and hung a white flag upon its wall, in token of submission. 
The army, fort, stores, garrison and Territory, were all surrendered [Aug. 16, 
1812], to the astonishment of the victor himself, and the deep mortification of the 
American troops. Hull was afterward tried by a court-martial^ [1814], on 
charges of treason and cowardice. He was found guilty of the latter, and sen- 
tenced to be shot, but was pardoned by the president on account of his revolu- 
tionary services. The whole country severely censured him ; but the sober 
judgment of this generation, guided by historic truth, must acquit him of all 
crime, and pity him as a victim of untoward circumstances.^ 

10. While these misfortunes were befalling the Army of the North-west,^ the 
opponents of the war were casting obstacles in the way of the other divisions of 
the American troops operating in the State of New York. The British Govern- 
ment declared the whole American coast in a state of blockade, except that of 
the New England States, whose apparent sympathy with the enemies of their 
country, caused them to be regarded as ready to leave the Union, and become 
subject to the British crown. But there was sterling patriotism sufficient there 
to prevent such a catastrophe. 

11. Unmindful of the intrigues of its foes, the administration persevered; and 
during the Summer of 1812, a plan was matured for invading Canada on the 
Niagara frontier. British troops were strongly posted on the heights of Queens- 
town, opposite Lewiston; and on the morning of the 13th of October, two hun- 
dred and twenty-five men, under colonel Solomon Van Rensselaer, crossed over 
to attack them. The commander was severely wounded, at the landing; but his 
troops pressed forward, under captains Wool-^ and Ogilvie, successfully assaulted 
a battery near the summit of the hill, and gained possession of Queenstown 
Heights. 

1. On the 8th, colonel Miller and several hundred men sent by Hull to accomplish the object of Van 
Home, met and defeated Tecumseh [verse 5, p. 260] and his Indians, with a party of British, near the 
scene of Home's failure. 

2. He was taken to Montreal a prisoner, and was afterward exchanged for thirty British captives. He 
was tried at Albany, New York. 

3. In 1848, his grandson published a full and thorough Tindication of the character of general Hull, 
the material for which was drawn from official records. The general's thorough knowledge of the 
character of the foe who menaced him, and a humane desire to spare his troops, was doubtless his sole 
reason for surrendering the post. A good and brave man has too long suflered the reproaches of his- 
tory. William Hull was born in Connecticut in 1753. He rose to the rank of major in the continental 
army, and was distinguished for his bravery. He was appointed governor of the Michigan Territory, 
fverse 6, p. 265] in 1805. After the close of his unfortunate campaign, he never appeared in public life. 
He died near Boston in 1825. 

4. The forces under general Harrison were called the Army of the Norih-weiit ; those under general 
Stephen Van Rensselaer, at Lewiston, on the Niagara river, the Army of the Center; and those under 
general Dearborn, at Greenbusn, near Albany, and near Plattsburg, the Army of the North. 

5. Now general Wool of the United States army. See verse 15, p. 302. 



Quetftions. — 9. What can yon tell of Hull's surrender of his army and the Territory ? How did it af- 
fect his character? 10. What events occurred in New England and on the Atlantic coast? 11. What 
invasion was planned ? What military movements were made? 



Madison's administration. 



263 



12. At the moment of victory, general Brock approached from Fort G-eorge, 
•with six hundred men, and attempted to regain the battery.' The British were 
repulsed, and Brock was killed.^ In the meanwhile, general Stephen Van 
Rensselaer, who had crossed over, returned to Lewiston, and was using his 
most earnest efforts to send reinforcements ; but only about one thousand troops, 
many of them quite undisciplined, could be induced to cross the river. These were 
attacked in the afternoon [Oct. 13, 1812] by fresh troops from Fort George, and 
were nearly all killed or made prisoners, while at least fifteen hundred of their 
companions in arms cowardly refused to cross to their aid. These excused their 
conduct by the plea, that they considered it wrong to invade the enemy's coun- 
try, the war being avowedly a defensive one ; and the opponents of the war 
applauded them for their conscientiousness. 

13. General Van Rensselaer, disgusted with the inefficiency everywhere dis- 
played, left the service, and was succeeded by general Alexander Smyth of 
Yirginia. This officer accomplished nothing of importance during the remainder 
of the season; and when the troops went into winter quarters [Dec], there ap- 
peared to have been very few achievements made by the American army worthy 
of honorable mention in history. The little navy, however, had acquitted itself 
nobly, and the national honor had been fully vindicated on the ocean. 3 

14. On the 19th of August, 1812, the United States frigate Constitution, com- 
modore Isaac Hull,^ fought the British frigate Guerriere,^ captain Dacres, off the 
American coast, in the present track of ships to Great Britain. The contest 
continued about forty minutes, when Dacres surrendered ;6 and his vessel was 
such a complete wreck, that the victor burned her. The Constitution, it is said, 
was so little damaged, that she was ready for action the following day. This 
victory had a powerful effect on the public mind in both countries. 

15. On the 18th of October 1812, the United States 
sloop-of-war. Wasp, captain Jones, captured the Brit- 
ish brig. Frolic, off the coast of North Carolina, after 
a very severe conflict for three-quarters of an hour. 
The slaughter on board the Frolic was dreadful. 
Only three officers and one seaman, of eighty-four, re- 
mained unhurt. The others were killed or badly 
wounded. The Wasp lost only ten men. Her term 
of victory was short, for the same afternoon, the' 
British ship, Poictiers,'^ captured both vessels. 

16. A week afterward [Oct. 25], the frigate United 
States, commodore Decatur^ fought the British frigate 
Macedonian, west of the Canary Islands, for almost -*■ sloop-of-wak. 
two hours. After being greatly damaged, and losing 

more than one hundred men, in killed and wounded, the Macedonian surren- 




1. Note 5, p. 102. 

2. Sir Isaac Brock was a brave and generous officer. There is a fine monnment erected to his memory 
on Queenstown heights, a short distance from the Niagara river. 

3. At this time the British navy numbered 1,060 vessels, while that of the United States, exclusive of 
gun-boats [verse 9, p. 256], numbered only twenty. Two of these were unseaworthy, and one was on 
Lake Ontario. Nine of the American vessels were of a class less than frigates. Verse 3, p. 253. 

4. Isaac Hull was made a lieutenant in the navy in 1798, and was soon distinguished for skill and 
bravery. He rendered important service to his country, and died in Philadelphia in February 1843. 

5. This vessel had been one of a British squadron which gave the Constitutinn a long and close chase 
about a month before, in which the nautical skill of Hull was most signally displayed. 

6. Seventy-nine killed and wounded. The Constitution lost seven killed and seven wounded. 

7. She was a seventy-fonr gun ship. 8. Verse 4, p. 254. 



Quei<tions.—\2. What can you tell of the battle on Queenstown heights? What of American militiar 
13. What change took place in leaders? What had been accomplished ? 14. What can you tell of the 
Constitution and Guerriere f 15. What can you tell of the Wasp and Frolic t 16. What can you tell of 
other naval battles ? 



264 THE CONFEDEKATION. 

dered. Decatur lost only five killed, and seven wounded ; and his vessel was 
very little injured. A few weeks afterward [Dec. 29, 1812], the Gonstitutio7i, 
then commanded by commodore Bainbridge, ^ became a victor, after combatting 
the British frigate Java, for almost three hours, off San Salvador, on the coast 
of Brazil. The Java had four hundred men on board, of whom almost two hun- 
dred were killed or wounded. The Constitution was again^ very httle injured; 
but she made such havoc with the Java, that Bainbridge, finding her incapable 
of floating long, burned her [Jan. 1, 1813] three days after the action. 

17. These victories greatly elated the Americans, while the numerous privat- 
eers3 which now swarmed upon the ocean, were making prizes in every direc- 
tion. It is estimated that during the year 1812, upwards of fifty British armed 
vessels, and two hundred and fifty merchantmen, with an aggregate of more 
than three thousand prisoners, and a vast amount of booty, were captured by the 
Americans. At the close of the year, naval armaments were in preparation on 
the lakes, to assist the army in an invasion of Canada. 

18. Mr. Madison was re-elected president of the United States in the Autumn 
of 1812, with Elbridge Grerry,-^ as vice-president, Grcorge Clinton^ having died at 
"Washington on the 12th of April, of that year. The re-election of Madison 
was considered a token of approval of the war by a majority of the people of the 
United States. 



SECTION V. 

THE SECOND WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. [1813.] 

1. The campaign of 1813, opened with the year, and almost the entire north- 
ern frontier of the United States was the chief theatre of operations. The army 
of the West,^ under general Harrison,''' was concentrating at the head of Lake 
Erie ; that of the Centre, now under Dearborn, was on the banks of the ISTiag- 
ara river ; and that of the North,^ under Hampton, was on the borders of Lake 
Champlain. Sir G-eorge Prevost was the successor of Brock^ in the command 
of the British army in Canada, assisted by general Proctor in the direction of 
Detroit,^" and general Sheaflfe in the vicinity of Montreal and the lower por- 
tions of Lake Champlain. 

2. Hostilities commenced in the "West, where the greatest warlike enthusiasm 
prevailed. Michigan had to be recovered, and the stain of Hull's surrender'^ 
obliterated. Volunteers gathered under local leaders, in every settlement.''^ 
Companies were formed and equipped in a single day, and were ready to 
march the next. Kentucky sent swarms of her young men, from every social 

1. Verse 3, p. 253. 2. Verse 14, p. 263. 3. Note 4, p. 183. 4. Note 2, p. 251. 

6. Verse 14, p. 258. 6. Note 4, p. 262. 7- Verse 1, p. 294. 8. Note 4, p. 262. 

9. Verse 12, p. 263. 10. Verse 9, p. 262. 11. Verse 8, p. 262. 

12. During the Autumn of 1812, the whole western country, incensed by Hull's surrender, seemed filled 
■with the zeal of the old Crusaders [note 5, p. 27]. The leaders found volunteers everywhere, anxious 
to find employment against the foe. They were engaged for many weeks in driving the Indians from poet 
to post, in the vicinity of the extreme western settlements, and in desolating their villages and planta- 
tions, after the manner of Sullivan [verse 14, p. 218], in 1779. Fierce indignation was thus excited 
among the tribes, and led to terrible retaliations, under the stimulus of their white allies. 



Qiiestinns. — 17. What can you relate of privateers and their achievements? What did the Americans 
accomplish on the ocean? 18. What was the result of an election in 1812? 1. What milit.iry move- 
ments took place early in 1813? What was the disposition of the troops? 2. When, and how, did hos- 
tilities commence ? How was a warlike feeling exhibited in the West? 




SECOND WAK FOR INDEPENDENCE. 265 

rank, led by the veteran, Shelby ;i and tlie yeo- 
manry of Oliio and its neighborhood hastened to the 
field. 2 

3. Harrison chose the west end of Lake Erie as his 
chief place of muster, with the dcsitrn of making a 
descent upon the British at Maiden^ and Detroit,-* 
and by securing possession of those posts, recover 
Michigan and the forts west of it. Early in Jan- 
uary [Jan. 10, 1813], general "Winchester, on his 
way from the southward, with eight hundred young 
men, chiefly Keniuckians, reached the Maumee 
rapids.5 There he was informed [Jan. 13, 1813] 
that a party of British and Indians had concentrated oe-neral shelbv. 
at Frenchtown, on the river Raisin,^ twenty-five 

miles south of Detroit, he immediately sent a detachment, under colonels 
Allen and Lewis, to protect the inhabitants in that direction. Finding French- 
town in the possession of the enemy, they successfully attacked [Jan. 18] and 
routed them, and held possession until the arrival of Winchester [Jan. 20], with 
almost three hundred men, two days afterward. 

4. Proctor, who was at Maiden, eighteen miles distant, heard of the advance 
of Winchester, and proceeded immediately and secretly, with a combined force 
of fifteen hundred British and Indians, to attack him. They fell upon the Amer- 
ican camp at dawn, on the morning of the 22d of January. After a severe bat- 
tle and heavy loss on both sides, Winchester, ^ who had been made a prisoner 
by the Indians, surrendered his troops on the condition, agreed to by Proctor, 
that ample protection to all should be given. Proctor, fearing the approach of 
Harrison, who was then on the Lower Sandusky, immediately marched for Mai- 
den, leaving the sick and wounded Americans behind, without a guard. After 
following him some distance, the Indians turned back [Jan 23], murdered and 
scalped^ the Americans who were unable to travel, set fire to dwellings, took many 
prisoners to Detroit, in order to procure exorbitant ransom prices, and reserved 
some of them for inhuman torture. The indiSerence of Proctor and his troops, 
on this occasion, was criminal in the highest degree, and gave just ground for 
the dreadful suspicion, that they encouraged the savages in their deeds of blood. 
Oftentimes after that, the war-cry of the Kentuckians was, " Remember the 
river Raisin ! " 

5. General Harrison had advanced to the Maumee rapids,^ when intelligence 
of the affair at Frenchtown reached him. Supposing Proctor would press for- 
ward to attack him, he fell back [Jan. 23, 1813] ; but on hearing of the march of 



1. Isaac Shelby was born in Maryland, in 1750. He entered military life in 1774, and went to Kcr- 
tucky as a land-survevor in 1775. lie engag:c(i in the War of the Kevolution, and was disiingui^hcd in 
the battle on King's Mountain [verse 11, p. 2LT)] in r,,S). lie was made governor of Kentucky in 17P2, 
and soon afterward reiiicdto private life, from which he was drawn in 1813, to lead an ai my to the 
field against his old enemy. lie died in 1826. 

2. So numerous were the volunteers, that general Harrison was compelled to issue an order aganist 
further enlistments. 

3. Verse 8, p. 261. 4. Verse 9, p. 262. 5. Note 8, p. 24, . 

6. Opposite the flourishing village of Monroe, Michigan, two or three miles fr.^m I>aKe l.ue. I he 
Raisin derived its name from the fact, that in former years great quantities of grapes clustered upon its 
banks. 

7. James Winchester was born in Maryland in 1756. He was made brigadier-general in 1812 ; re- 
signed his commission in 1815 ; and died in Tennessee in ISiIO. 

8. Note 5, p. 10. 9. Note 8, p. 247. 



Questions.—^. What movements were made by Harrison ? and for what purpose ? What did Winches- 
ter do? 4. What did Proctor do? What can yon loll of events at the liver Kaisin? What cruellies oc- 
curred? 5. What movements were made by Harrison ? Where and how was he besieged ? How were 
the British repulsed ? 

12 



266 



THE CONFEDERATION. 




FORT MEIGS. 



the British toward Maiden, he advanced [Feb. 1] to the rapids 
with twelve hundred men, established a fortified camp there, and 
called it Fort Meigs, ' in honor of the governor of Ohio. There 
he was besieged by Proctor several weeks afterward [Maj 1], 
who was at the head of more than two thousand British and 
Indians. On the fifth day of the siege, general Clay arrived 
[May 5] with twelve hundred men, and dispersed the enemy. 
A large portion of his troops, while unwisely pursuing the 
fugitives, were surrounded and captured ; and Proctor returned 
to the siege. The impatient Indians, refusing to listen to Te- 
cumseh,2 their leader, deserted the British on the eighth day 
[May 8] ; and twenty-four hours afterward, Proctor abandoned 
the siege and returned to Maiden [May 9], to prepare for a 
more formidable invasion. 

6. Toward the close of Jvily [July 21, 1813], about four thou- 
sand British and Indians, under Proctor and Tecumseh, again 
appeared before Fort Meigs, then commanded by general Clay.3 
Meeting with a vigorous resistance, Proc- 
tor left Tecumseh to watch the fort, while he marched 
[July 28], with five hundred regulars and eight hundred 
Indians, to attack Fort Stephenson, at Lower Sandusky,^ 
garrisoned by only one hundred and fifty men, command- 
ed by major Croghan, a 
brave young soldier, only 
twenty-one years of age.5 
Proctor's demand for sur- 
render was accompanied by the usual menace of 
Indian massacre;^ but it did not intimidate 
Croghan.''' After a severe cannonade^ had made 
a breach, the besiegers attempted to rush in and 
take the place by assault [May 2, 1813] ; but so 
terribly were they met by grape-shot^ from the 
only cannon in the fort, that they recoiled, panic- 
stricken, and the whole body fled in confusion, 
leaving one hundred and fifty of their number, 
killed or wounded. The Americans lost only one 
man killed, and seven wounded. This gallant 
defense was universally applauded,'" and it had 
a powerful effect upon the Indians. 




FORT SAXDtJSKY. 




MAJOR CROGHAN. 



1. Fort Meigs was erected on the south side of the Manmee, nearly opposite the former British post 
[note 8, p. 247], ivnd a short distance from the present village of Perrysburg. 

2. Verses, p. 260. 

3. Green Clay was bom in Virginia in 1757, was made a brigadier of Kentucky volunteers early in 
1813, and died in October 1826. 

4. On the west bank of the Sandusky river, about fifteen miles south from Sandusky bay. The area 
within the pickets [note 5, p. 139J was about an acre. The fort was made of regular embankments of 
earth and a ditch, with bastions and block-houses [note 1, p. 146] and some rude log buildings within. 

6. The greater portion of the garrison were very young men, and some of them were mere youths. 

6. Verse 9, p. 262. 

7. In reply to Proctor's demand and threat, he said, in substance, that when the fort should be taken 
there would be none left to massacre ; as it would not be given up while there was a man left to fight. 
George Croghan was a nephew of George Rogers Clarke [verse 13, p. 218]. He afterward rose to the 
rank of colonel, and held the office of inspect or-general. He died at New Orleans in 1849. 

8. The British employed six six-pounders and a howitzer, in the siege. A howitzer is a piece of ord- 
nance similar to a mortar, for hurling bombshells. Note 2, p. 216. 

9. Note 9, p. 181. 

10. Major Croghan was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel ; and the ladies of Chillicothe gave 
him an elegant sword. 

Question.— 6. How was Fort Meigs again menaced? What did Proctor do ? What can you tell of the 
defence of Fort Sandusky ? 




SECOND WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. 267 

1. While these events were in progress, a new power appeared in the conflict 
in the West and North. In the Autumn of 1812, commodore Chaunccy had fit- 
ted out a small naval armament at Sackett's Harbor, to dispute the mastery on 
Lake Ontario, with several British armed vessels, i then afloat. And during the 
Summer of 1813, commodore Perry had fitted out, on Lake Erie, an American 
squadron of nine vessels, mounting fifty -four guns, to co-operate with the army 
of the West.2 The British had also prepared a small 
squadronof six vessels, carrjnng sixty-three guns, 
commanded by commodore Barclay. The hostile 
fleets met near the western extremity of Lake 
Erie on the morning of the 10th of September 
1813, and a very severe battle ensued. The 
brave Perry managed with the skill of an old 
admiral and the courage of the proudest soldier.^ 
At four o'clock in the afternoon, every British 
vessel had surrendered to him;^ and before sun- 
set, he had sent a messenger to general Harri- 
son with the famous despatch, '' We have met 
the eiiemy, and they are ours." This victory was 
hailed with unbounded demonstrations of joy. 
For a moment, party rancor was almost forgot- 
ten ; and bonfires and illuminations lighted uj) the to.ui:oDoiir: i-ekkt. 
whole country. 

8. The command of Lake Erie now being secured, and a reinforcement of 
four thousand Kentucky volunteers under governor Shelby, the veteran hero of 
King's Mountain,^ having arrived [Sept. 17, 1813], Harrison proceeded to at- 
tack Maiden and recover Detroit. The fleet conveyed a portion of the troops 
across the lake [Sept. 27], but on their arrival at Maiden, it had been deserted 
by Proctor, who was fleeing, with Tecumseh and his Indians, toward the Mora- 
vian village on the Thames. A body of Americans took possession of Detroit 
on the 29th of September, and on the 2d of October, Harrison and Shelby, with 
colonel R. M. Johnson and his cavalry (thirty-five hundred strong), started in 
pursuit of the enemy. They overtook him [Oct. 5] at the Moravian town, 
and eighty miles from Detroit,^ a desperate battle ensued. Tecumseh was slain j''' 
and then his followers, who had fought furiously, broke and fled. Almost the 

1. Chauncey's squadron consisted of six vessels, monnting thirty-two guns, in all. The British squad- 
ron consisted "of the same number of vessels, but mounting more than a hundred guns. Notwithstanding 
this disparity, Chauncey attacked them near Kingston [note 2, p. 138] early in November, damaged 
tliem a good deal, and captured and carried into Sackett's Harbor, a schooner belonging to the enemy. 
He then captured another schooner, which had $12,000 in specie on board, and the baggage of the deceased 
general Brock. 

2. Verse 1, p. 264. 

3. The Lawrence, Perry's flag-ship, very soon became an unmanageable wreck, having all her crew, 
except four or five, killed or wounded. Perry then left her, in an open boat, and hoisted his flag on the 
Niagara. With this vessel he passed through the enemy's line, pouring broadsides, right and left, at 
half pistol shot distance. The remainder of the squadron followed, with a fair wind, and the victory was 
soon decided. 

4. The carnage was very great, in proportion to the numbers engaged. The Americans lost twenty- 
seven killed, and ninety-six wounded. The British lost about two hundred in killed and wounded, and 
six hundred prisoners. Perry's treatment of his prisoners, received the highest applause. Commo- 
dore Barclay declared that his humane conduct was sufficient to immortalize him. Oliver H. Perry was 
born at Newport, Rhode Island, in 1785. He entered the service as midshipman in 1798. He continued 
in active service after the close of the Second War for Independence, and died of yellow fever in the 
West India seas, in 1819. 

5. Verse 11, p. 226. 

6. In the present town of Orford, West Canada. 

7. Verse 5, p. 260. He was only about 40 years of age at this time. 



Questionx.—l. What new power appeared? What was done on Lake Erie? What can you tell of the 
battle there? 8. How was the Array of the West strengthened? What military movements took place ? 
What of the battle of the Thames? 



12 G3 THE CONFEDERATIOK. 

whole of Proctor's command were killed or made prisoners, ^ and the general, him- 
self narrowly escaped with a few of his cavalry, 

9. By this victory, all that Hull had lost^ was recovered ; the Indian confeder- 
acy^ was completely broken up, and the war on the north-western borders of 
the Union was terminated. General Harrison dismissed a greater portion of 
the volunteers, and leaving general Cass^ with about a thousand regulars to gar- 
rison Detroit, proceeded [Oct. 23, 1813] to Niagara with the remainder of his 
troops to join the Army of the Center, 5 which had been making some endeavors 
to invade Canada. In the meanwhile, an Indian war had been kindled in the 
South ;6 and on the ocean, the laurel wreaths of triumph won by the Americans 
during 1812,'^ had been interwoven with garlands of cypress on account of re- 
verses. Let us turn a moment to the operations of the Army of the North.'^ 

10. Unable to afford assistance to exposed posts between Sackett's Harbor 
and Ogdensburg,9 general Dearborn resolved to attempt the capture of York 
(now Toronto), the capital of Upper Canada, and the principal depository of 
I3ritish military stores for the supply of western garrisons. He embarked seven- 
teen hundred troops on board the fleet of commodore Chauncey,"^ at Sackett's 
Harbor, on the 25th of April; and two days afterward [April 27] they landed 
on the beach at York, about two miles west from the British works, in the face 

of a galling fire from regulars and Indians, under gen- 
eral Sheaffe. These were soon driven back to their 
fortifications, and the Americans, under general Pike, '^ 
pressed forward, captured two redoubts, and were ad- 
vancing upon the main work, when the magazine of 
the fort blew up,'^ hurling stones and timbers in 
every direction, and producing great destruction of 
life among the assailants. General Pike was mortal- 
ly wounded, but he lived long enough to know that 
the enemy had fled, and that the American flag 
waved in triumph over the fort at York.'^ 

11. The fleet and troops returned to Sackett's Har- 
bor, but soon afterward proceeded to attack Fort 
GE.NEK^L FiKE. G corgc, outho western shore of Niagara river, near 

its mouth. After a brief defence [May 27, 1813] the 
garrison fled to Burhngton Heights.'^ at the western extremity of Lake Ontario, 
thirty-five miles distant, closely pursued by a much larger force, under generals 

1. Here the Americans recaptured six brass field pieces which had been snrrendeved by Hnll, on two 
of which were engraved the words, " surrendeied by Biugoyne at Saratoga" [verse 23, p. 2Uo]. 

2. Verse 9, p. 262. 3. Verse 5, p. 260. 

4. Now [1854] United States Senator for Michigan. 

5. Verse 1, p. 264. 6. Verse 15, p. 270. 7- Verse 17, p. 264. 8. Verse 1, p. 264. 

9. In February a detachment of British soldiers crossed the St. Lawrence on the ice from Prescott to 
Ogdensburg, and under pretense of seeking for deserters, committed robberies. Major Forsyth, then in 
command of riflemen, there retaliated. This was resented, in turn, by a large British force which crossed 
on the 21st of February, and after a conflict of an hour drove out the few military defenders of Ogdens- 
burg, plundered and destroyed a large amount of property, and then returned to Canada. 

10. Verse 7, p. 267. 

11. Dearborn had given the command of this expedition to brigadier-general Zebulon M. Pike, a brave 
and useful officer, who had been at the head of an expedition, a few years earlier, to explore the country 
around the head waters of the Mississippi. He was bom in 1779- He died on board the flag-ship of 
commodore Chauncey, with the captured British flag under his head, at the age of thirty-four years. 

12. The British had laid a train of wet powder communicating with the magazine, for the purpose, and 
when they retreated, they fired it. 

13. General Sheaffe escaped wiih the principal part of the troops, but lost all his baggage, books, pa- 
pers, and a large amount of public property. 

14. At the head of Burlington Bay, in Canada. 




Question/^.—Q. What did the bnttle of the Thames effect ? What did TInrrison do? What had been 
done elsewhere? 10. What movements were made on Lake Ontario ? What can you tell of the battle at 
York? 



SECOND WAE FOR INDEPENDENCE. 269 

Chandler' and "Winder.s On the night of the 6th of June, the British fell upon 
the American camp, but were repulsed. It was very dark, and in the confusion 
both of the American generals were made prisoners.^ 

12. On the day [May 27] when the Americans attacked Fort George, a Brit- 
ish squadron appeared before Saekett's Harbor; and two days afterward [May 
29] Sir George Prevost and a thousand soldiers landed in the face of a severe 
fire from some regulars^ stationed there. General Brown, the commander, ral- 
lied the militia, and their rapid gathering at the landing place so alarmed Pre- 
vost, lest they should cut off his retreat, that he hastily re-embarked, leaving al- 
most the whole of his wounded, behind. 

13. General Dearborn^ withdrew from active service in June, on account of ill 
health, and was succeeded in command by general Wilkinson.^ General Arm- 
strong''' then Secretary of "War, had conceived another invasion of Canada, by the 
united forces of the armies of the Centre and North.'^ For this purpose a little 
more than seven thousand men concentrated at French Creek [Xov\ 5, 1813], 
and went down the St. Lawrence in boats, with the intention of co-operating 
with about four thousand troops under Hampton,^ in an attack upon Montreal. 
Being annoyed by the British on shore, and by gun-boats*^' in his rear, "Wilkinson 
landed Brown and a strong detachment to go forward and disperse quite a large 
force near "Williamsburg, and cover the descent of the boats. A severe battle 
ensued [Nov. 11], in which the Americans lost more than three hundred men 
in killed and wounded, and the British about two hundred. This is known as 
the battle of Chrysler's Field.'' 

14. "Wilkinson arrived at St. Regis'^ the 
next day, with the main body, when he 
was informed that no troops from the 
Army of the North would join him.'^ He 
therefore abandoned the expedition against 
Montreal, and went into winter quarters 
at French Mills,!-' about nine miles east fort Niagara, 1813. 
of St. Regis. A little later, some stirring 

events occurred on the Niagara frontier. General M'Clure, commanding at Fort 
George, '-5 burnt the Canadian village of Newark on the 10th of December. 

1. John Chandler was a native of Massachtisetts. Some years after the war he was United States sen- 
ator from Maine. He died at Augusta, in that State, in 1841. 

2. Verse 10, p. 275. 

3. This event was at Stony Creek, in the present Saltfleet township, Canada West. In this affair the 
Americans lost in killed, wounded and missing, one hundred and titty-four. 

4. Note?, p. 141. 5. Note 5, p. 201. 

6. Born in Maryland, in 1757, and studied medicine. He joined the continental army at Cambridge, in 
1775 and continued in service during the war. He died near the city of Mexico, in 1825, at the age of 
sixty-eight years. 

7. Note 2, p. 240. Born in Pennsylvania in 1758 ; served in the war of the Revolution ; was Secretary 
of the State of Pennsylvania ; minister to France in 1804 ; Secretary of war in 1813, and died in Dutch- 
ess county. New York, in 1843. 

8. Note 4, p. 262. 9. Verse 7, p. 261. 10. Note 4, p. 257. 

11. On the northern shore of the St. Lawrence, about ninety miles above Montreal. 

12. South bank of the St. Lawrence, twenty-five miles north-east from Williamsburg. See note 2, 

13. There was enmity between Wilkinson and Hampton, and Armstrong resolved to command the ex- 
pedition himself, to prevent trouble on account of precedence. He joined the army at Sackeit's Har- 
bor but soon returned to Washington, for he and Wilkinson could not agree. To the jealousies and 
bickerings of these old officers, must the disasters of the land troops be, in a great degree, attributed. 
General Hampton did move forward toward Canada, but finally returned to Plattsburg, and leaving Iho 
command with general Izard, returned to South Carolina. He died at Columbia, South Carolina, in 1835, 
aged eightv-o'.ie ycurs. 

14. Now'Port Covington, St. Lawrence county. 

15. Verse 11, p. 268. 

QxtcMiot}!).— 12. What occurred at Sackett's Harbor? 13. What of general Dearborn? What can you 
tell of another invasion of Canada? What took place on the banks of the St. Lawrence? 14. What 
can you tell of the invading expedition? What took place on the Niagara frontier ? 




270 THE CONFEDERATION. 

Two days later [Dec, 12. 1S13] he was compelled, by the British, to abandon Fort 
George. A strong force of British and Indians then surprised and captured 
[Dec. 19] Fort Niagara ;• and in retaliation for the burning of Newark, they 
laid Youngstown, Lewiston, Manchester (now Niagara Falls) and the Tuscarora 
Indian village, in Niagara county, in ashes. On the 30th, the little villages of 
Black Rock and Bufialo were also consumed, and a large amount of public and 
private property was destroyed. Thus ended the campaign of IS 13, in the 
North. 

15. In the Spring of 1S13, Tecumseh'^ went among the Southern tribes, to 
arouse them to wage war upon the white people. The powerful Creeks^ yielded 
to his persuasions, and late in August [Aug. 30, 1S13], a large party of them 
surprised and captured Fort Minims, on the Alabama river, ^ and massacred al- 
most three hundred men, women and children. This event aroused the whole 
South. General Andrew Jackson. ^ accompanied by general Coftee, marched 
into the Creek country with twenty-five hundred Tennessee miUtia, and pros- 
ecuted a subjugating war against them, with great vigor. 

16. General Coflee,^ with nine hundred men, surrounded [Nov. 3] an Indian 
force at Tallushatchee" on the 3d of November, and killed two hundred of them. 
Not a warrior escaped. Within ten weeks at^erward, bloodv battles were fou2:ht 
at Talladegas [Nov. 8]. Autossees [Nov. 29], and Emucfau"^' [Jan. 2 2d. 18U], 
and several skirmishes had also taken place. The Americans were always vic- 
torious, yet they lost many brave soldiers. At length the Creeks established a 
fortified camp at the Great Horseshoe Bend of the Tallapoosa river." and there a 
thousand warriors, with their women and children, determined to make a last 
defensive stand. The Americans surrounded them, and Jacksou. with the main 
body of his army, attacked them on the 27th of March. 1814. The Indians 
fought desperately, for they saw no future for themselves, in the event of defeat. 
Almost six hundred warriors were sL^.in, for they disdained to surrender. Only 
two or three were made prisoners, with about three hundred women and chil- 
dren. This battle crushed the power and spirit of the Creek nation, and soon 
afterward the chiefs of the remnant signified their submission. '- 

17. There were many and severe conflicts on the ocean between armed ves- 
sels of the United States and Great Britain, during the year 1813. Toward the 
close of February, the United States Sloop of War, Hornet, captain Lawrence, 
fought [Feb. 24, 1813] the British brig. Peacock, off" the mouth of Demarara river, 
South America. The Peacock surrendered after a fierce conflict of fifteen minutes, 
and a few moments afterward she sunk, carrying down with her nine British sea- 
men and three Americans. The loss of the Peacock, in killed and wounded, 
was thirty-seven ; of the Hornet only five. 

1. On the east side of the Niagara river. See verse 39, p. 152. 

2, Verse 5, p. 260. 3. Verse 2, p. 21. 

4. On the east side, about ten miles above its junction with the Tombigbee. 

5. Verse 1, p. 2S6. 

6. John CofTee was a native of Virginia. He did good service during the second war for independence, 
and in subsciiuent carup;iigns. He died in 1834. 

7. South side of Tallushatchee Creek, near the village of Jacksonville, in Benton county, Alabama. 

8. A li'.tle east of the Coosa river, in the present Talladega county. 

9. On the bank of the Tallapoosa, twenty miles from its junction with the Coosa, in Macon county. 

10. On the west bank of the Tallapoosa, at the mouth of Emucfau Creek, in Tallapoosa county. 

11. Called Tohopeka by the Indians. Near the north-east corner of Tallapoosa county. 

12. Among those who bowed in submission, was Weathersford, their greatest leader. He appeared 
suddeiily before Jackson, in his tent, and standing erect he said, " I am in your power ; do with me what 
you please. I have done the white people all the harm I could. I have fought them, and fought them 
bravely. My warriors are all gone now, and I can do no more. When there was a chance for success 
I never asked for peace. There is none now. and I ask it for the remnant of mv nation." 



Questions. — 15. What did Tecumseh do in the Spring of 1S13? What outrages were committed by the 
southern Indians? What preparations were made to subdue them ? 16. What battles took place in the 
Indian country ? When and how were the Indians finally crushed? 17. What can you tell of battles on 
the ocean early in 1S13 ? 




SECOND WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. 271 

18. Captain Lawrence was promoted to the 
command of the frigate, Chesapeake^ on his re- 
turn to the United States ; and on the 1st of 
June, 1813, he sailed from Boston harbor, in 
searcli of the British frigate, Shannon, which 
had recently appeared oft' the New England 
coast, and challenged any vessel, of equal size, 
to meet her. Lawrence found the boaster the 
same day, about thirty miles from Boston light ; 
and at five in the afternoon, a furious action be- 
gan. It lasted only fifteen minutes ; but in that 
time, the Chesajieake had forty-eight killed and 
ninety-eight wounded ; the Shan7ion, twenty- 
three killed and fifty-six wounded. Lawrence captain lawrence. 
was among the slain, i and his body, with that of 

Ludlow, the second in command, was carried to Halifax, in the victorious Shan- 
non, and there buried with the honors of war.2 This event caused great sad- 
ness in America, and unbounded joy in England. 

19. The loss of the Chesapeake yvas followed by that of the American brig, 
Argus, captain Allen, in August. The Argus had conveyed Mr. Crawford. 
United States Minister, to France, and for two months had greatly annoyed 
British shipping in the English channel. Several vessels were sent out to cap- 
ture her; and on the 14th of August, 1813, the sloop-of-war. Pelican, after a 
brief, but severe action, defeated the Argus. In less than a month afterward 
[Sept. 10], Perry gained his great victory on Lake Erie,^ and the British brig, 
Boxer, captain Blythe, had surrendered [Sept. 5, 1813] to the United States 
brig, Enterjyrise, lieutenant Burrows, after an engagement of forty minutes, off" 
the coast of Maine. Both commanders were slain, and their bodies were buried 
in one grave at Portland, with military honors. 

20. During the Spring and Summer of 1813, a small squadron, under admiral 
Coekburn, carried on a distressing warilire upon the coast between Delaware 
Bay and Charleston, with the hope of drawing the American troops from the 
northern frontier, to the defence of the seaboard. It was a sort of amphibious 
warfare — on land and water — and was marked by many acts of unnecessary 
cruelty. The American shipping in the Delaware was destroyed in March, 1813, 
and Lewiston was cannonaded in April. In May, Frenchtown, Havre de Grace, 
Georgetown and Fredericktown, on the Chesapeake, were plundered and 
burned; and then the British fleet entered Hampton Roads, '^ and menaced 
Norfolk. While attempting to go up to that city, the British were nobly re- 
pulsed [Jan. 22, 1813] by the Americans upon Craney Island.-^ under the com- 
mand of major Faulkner, assisted by naval officers. The enemy then fell upon 

1. The two vessels became entangled, when the British boarded the Chesapeake, and after a desperate 
hand-to-hand strujrgle, hoisted the British flag. Lawrence was mortally wounded at tlio bejriniiiiig of 
the action ; and wlien he was carried below, he issued those brave wo:ds, which Perry afterward dis- 
played on his flag-ship on Lake Erie, " Don't give tip the ship ! " Captain James Lawrence was a na- 
tive of New Jersey, and received a midshipman's warrant at the age of sixteen years. He was with De- 
catur at Tripoli [verse 4, p. 254]. He died four days after receiving the wound, at the age of thirty-one 
years. 

2. A beautiful monument was erected to his memory in Trinity church-yard, New York. 

3. Verse 7. p. 267. 4. Verse 9, p. 216. 

5. Craney L^^land is low and bare, and lies at the mouth of the Elizabeth river, about five miles below 
Norfolk. At the time in question, there were some unfinished fortifications upon it, remains of which 
may yet [1854] be seen. 

Quextions.—lS. What can von tell of the Chesapenle and Shnnnnn? What distinguished men were 
killod? 19. What losses did "the Americans have on the ocean? What victory off the coast of Maine r 
20. What can you tell of a marauding warfare on the coasts of the Delaware and Chesapeake bays? 
What of the repulse of the Ihitish at Craney Island? 



272 



THE CONFEDERATION". 



Hampton [Jan. 25] ; and having surfeited tliemselves with plunder, withdrew. 
Cockijurn' sailed down the North Carolina coast, plundering whenever opportu- 
nity offered, and carried away a large number of negroes and sold them in the 

West Indies. In pleasant contrast to this, was the 
deportment of commodore Hardy, whose squadron 
was employed, during the same season, in block- 
ading the New England coast. 

21. The United States frigate, Essex, captain Por- 
ter, made a long and successful cruise in the At- 
lantic and Pacific, 2 during the same year, but was 
finally captured in the harbor of Valparaiso [March 
28, 1814], on the western coast of South America, 
by the British frigate, Fhoebe, and sloop-of-war, 
^jM 0^^ ) Cherub, after one of the most desperately fought 
^i^^^ battles of the war. The Essex lost one hundred and 
fifty four, in killed and wounded. Captain Porter^ 
wrote to the Secretary of the Navy, " "We have 
coMMouoiiL PORTER. 1)0611 uufortunatc, but not disgraced." 




SECTION VI. 

SECOND WAR F R I N D E P E N D E N C E, CONTINUED. [1814 — 1815.] 

1. Early in 1814, the victorious career of Napoleon, in Europe, was checked 
by the allied powers;^ British troops were withdrawn from the continent, and 
fourteen thousand of "Wellington's veterans were sent to Canada^ [1814] to oper- 
ate against the United States. Considering the moral and material weakness 
of the American army, hitherto, the circumstances of the continual employment 
of the British troops on the continent, was highly favorable to the United States. 
Had Europe been at peace, the result of the second war for independence^ might 
have been quite different. 

2. The invasion of Canada'^ continued to be the pet project of the public author- 
ities ; and to oppose it, was the chief solicitude of the British officers on our 
northern frontiers. Toward the close of February, general "Wilkinson broke up 
his camp at French Mills^ and retired to Plattsburg ; and general Brown, with 
two thousand men, marched to Sackett's Harbor. Late in March, "Wilkinson 
proceeded to erect a battery at Rouse's Point ; and at La CoUe, three miles be- 



1. Cockburn died in England in 1853, at an advanced age. 

2. While in the Pacific, the Essex captured twelve British whale ships, with an aggregate of 302 men, 
and 107 guns. The PiSsex carried at her mast-head, the popular motto, " Free Trade and Sailors' 
Bights." 

3. Commodore David Porter -was among the most distinguished of the American naval commanders. 
He was a resident minister of the United States in Turkey, and died near Constantinople in March 1843. 

4. Almost all continental Europe, with England, had now combined to crush Napoleon and sustain 
the infamous Bourbon dynasty. The allied armies, approaching from different directions, reached Paris 
.at the close of March, 1814, when the Russian and Prussian emperors entered the city. Hoping to se- 
oure the crown to his son, Napoleon abdicated in his favor on the 4th of April, and retired to Elba. 
Believing peace to be secured, England withdrew many of her troops from the continent. 

5. These were embarked at Bordeaux, in France, and saileil directlv for the St. Lawrence. 

6. Note 4, p. 261. 7. Verse 8, p. 261, and verse 13, p. 269! 8. Verse 14, p. 269. 



Questions. — 21. What can you tell of Captain Porter in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans? What of his 
misfortunes ? 1. What can you tell of British troops on the continent of Europe ? What was favoralile to 
the Americans? 2. What chiefly occupied the attention of the contending parties? What military 
movements occurred ? 



SECOND WAK FOR INDEPENDENCE. 273 

low, he had an uusuccessful engagement [March 30] with the British, In con- 
sequence of his repulse, he was tried by a court martial, but acquitted, yet 
the chief command was taken from him and given to general Izard. 

3. On the 5th of May a British squadron, bearing about three thousand men, 
appeared before Oswego, Hhen defended by only about three hundred troops un- 
der colonel Mitchell, and a small flotilla under captain Woolsey. The chief object 
of the expedition was to capture or destroy a large quantity of naval and military 
stores deposited at Oswego Falls, '^ but the gallant band of Americans at the har- 
bor defeated the project. They withstood an attack by land and water for almost 
two days, before they yielded to a superior force. Afraid to penetrate the coun- 
try toward the Falls, in the face of such determined opponents, the British with- 
drew on the morning of the 7th [May, 1814], after losing two hundred and 
thirty-five men, in killed and wounded. The Americans lost sixty-nine. 

4. General Brown marched from Sackett's Harbor-* to the Niagara frontier ; 
and on the morning of the 3d of July, generals Scott and Ripley^ crossed the 
river, with a considerable force, and captured Fort Erie.s The garrison withdrew 
to the intrenched camp of the British general Riall, then at Chippewa, « a few 
miles below. On the morning of the 4th [July, 1814], Brown advanced, and 
on the 5th the two armies had a sanguinary battle in the open fields at Chip- 
pewa. The British were repulsed with a loss of 

about five hundred men, and retreated to Bur- 
lington Heights, where they were reinforced by 
troops under lieutenant-general Drummond, who 
assumed the chief command. The Americans lost 
about three hundred. 

5. Drummond's force was now about one-third 
greater than that of Brown," and he immediately 
advanced to meet the Americans. The latter had 
encamped at Bridgewater, near Niagara Falls ; 
and there, at the close of a sultry day, and within 
the sound of the great cataract's thunder, one of 
the most destructive battles of the war began.^ 
It commenced at sunset and ended at midnight 
[July 25, 1814], when the Americans had lost 
eight hundred and fifty-eight men in killed and general brown. 
wounded, and the British twenty more than that. 

The Americans were left in quiet possession of the field, but were unable to 
carry away the heavy artillery which they had captured.^ Brown and Scott 



1. The fort on the east side of the river was then in quite a dilapidated state, and formed but a feeble 
defence for the troops. It was strengthened after this attack. 

2. At the present village of Fulton, about twelve miles from the harbor. 

3. Verse 12, p. 269. 

4. Winfield Scott, now [1854] commander-in-chief of the armies of the United States. Verse 18, p. 
303. General Ripley died on the 2d of March, 1839. 

5. On the Canada side of Niagara river, nearly opposite Black Rock. 

6. Ou the Canada shore, about two miles above Niagara Falls. 

7. Jacob Brown was born in Pennsylvania, in 1775. He engaged in his country's service in 1813, and 
soon became distinguished. He was made major-general in 1814. He was commander-in-chief of the 
United States army in 1821, and held that rank and office when he died, in 1828. 

8. The hottest ot the fight was in and near an obscure road known as Lundy's Lane. This battle is 
known by the respective names o1 Brvigeicater, Lttndi/^s Ltine, and Niagara Falls. 

9. After the Americans had withdrawn, a party of the British returned and carried off their artillery. 
This event was so magnified in the English accounts of the battle, as to make the victory to appear on 
the side of the British. 




Questiotis.—S. What appeared before Oswego? What occurred there? 4. What occurred on the Ni- 
agara frontier? Describe the battle at Chippewa? 5. Wliat can vou tell of a battle near Niagara 
Falls? ^^. 

19* 



274 



THE CONFEDERATION. 




being wounded,' the command devolved on Eiplej, and the following day [July 
26] he withdrew to Fort Erie, where general Gaines, a senior officer, who ar- 
rived soon afterward,assumed the chief command. 
6. Drummond again advanced with five thousand men, and on the 4th of Aug- 
. ust appeared before Fort Erie, and commenced prepara- 
tions for a siege. He made an assault on the 15th, 
but was repulsed with a loss of almost a thousand 
men. Very little was done by either party, for nearly 
a month, when general Brown, who had assumed com- 
mand again, ordered a sortie [Sept. IV] from the fort. 
It was successful ; and the Americans pressed forward, 
destroyed the advanced works of the besiegers, and 
drove them toward Chippewa. Informed, soon after- 
ward, that general Izard was approaching- with rein- 
forcements for Brown, Drummond retired to Fort 
George. 3 The Americans abandoned and destroyed 
Fort Erie in November [Nov. 5], and crossing the river, 
^_^ went into winter quarters at Buflalo, Black Rock and 

NIAGARA FRONTIER. Batavia. 

7. Very little of moment transpired in the vicinity 
of Lake Champlain until toward the close of Summer, when general Izard* 
marched [Aug. 1814] from Plattsburg, with five thousand men, to reinforce gen- 
eral Brown^ on the Niagara frontier, leaving general Macomb^ in command wath 
only fifteen hundred men. Taking advantage of this circumstance, general 
Prevost, with fourteen thousand men, chiefly Wellington's veterans, marched for 
Plattsburg. During the Spring and Summer, the British and Americans had 
each constructed a small fleet on Lake Champlain, and these were now ready 
for operations ; the former under commodore Downie, and the latter under com- 
modore M'Donough." 

8. Prevost arrived near Plattsburg on the 6th of September, when Macomb's 
little army, and quite a large body of militia under general Mooers, retired to 
the south side of the Saranac, and prepared to dispute its passage, by the invad' 
ers. On the morning of the 11th, the British fleet came around Cumberland 
Head, with a fair wind, and attacked M'Donough's squadron in Plattsburg Bay. 
At the same time the British land troops opened a heavy cannonade upon the 
Americans. After a severe engagement of two hours and twenty minutes, 
M'Donough became victor, and the whole British fleet was surrendered to him.» 



1. Drummond and Riall were also wounded. General Scott led the advance in the engagement, and 
for an hour maintained a most desperate conflict, when he was reinforced. It was quite dark, and gen- 
eral Riall and his suite were made prisoners by the gallant major Jesup. A British battery [note 5, 
p. 102] upon an eminence did terrible execution, for it swept the whole field. This was assailed and 
captured by a party under colonel Miller, who replied, when asked if he could accomplish it, " I'll try, 
Sir." Three times the British attempted to recapture this battery ; in the last attempt, Drummond was 
wounded. 2. Verse 7, p. 274. 3. Verse 11, p. 268. 

4. George Izard was born in South Carolina, in 1777, and made military life his profession. After the 
■war he left the army. He was governor of Arkansas Territory in 1825, and died at Little Rock, Ark., 
in 1828. 

5. Verse 4, p. 273. 

6. Alexander Macomb was bom at Detroit, in 1782, and entered the army at the age of seventeen 
years. He was made a brigadier in 1814. In 1835, lie was commander-in-chief of the armies of the Uni- 
ted States, and died in 1841. 

7. Thomas M'Donough was a native of Delaware. He was twenty-eight years of age at the time of 
■the engagement at Plattsburg. The State of New York gave him one thousand acres of land on Platts- 
burg bay, for his services. He died in 1825 at the age of thirty-nine years. 

8. The Americans lost in killd and wounded one hundred and sixteen ; the British one hundred and 
ninety-fonr. Among them was commodore Downie, whose remains lie under a monument at Platts^jurg. 



QueMiom. — 6. What can you tell of events at Fort Erie? What did the Americans do? 7- What 
movements were made at Plattsburg? What hostile preparations had been made on Lake Champlain? 
8. What occurred on land, at Plattsburg? What occurred on the lake near Plattsburg ? What was the 
result of the battle ? 



SECOND WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. 



275 




V- ^^■ 



COMMODORE M'dONOUGH. 



The land force fought until dark, and every 
attempt of the British to cross the Saranac was 
bravely resisted. During the evening, Prevost 
hastily retreated, leaving his sick and wounded 
and a large quantity of military stores, behind 
him. The British loss in killed, wounded and 
deserted, from the 6th to the 11th, was about 
twenty-five hundred : that of the Americans, 
one hundred and twenty-one. This victory was 
applauded with the greatest enthusiasm through- 
out the land, and gave emphasis to the effect 
of another at Baltimore, which had been re- 
cently achieved.' 

9. While the northern frontier was the scene 
of stirring military events, the sea-coast was not 
exempt from trouble. The principal ports, from 

New York to Maine, were blockaded by British war vessels ; and early in the 
Spring, a depredating warfare again- commenced on the shores of the Chesapeake. 
These were but feebly defended by a small flotilla,^ under the veteran, commo- 
dore Barney;^ and when, about the middle of August, a British squadron, of 
almost sixty sail, arrived in the bay, with six thousand troops under general 
Ross, destined for the capture of Washington city, it proved of little value. 

10. Ross landed [Aug. 19, 1814] at Benedict, on the Patuxent,^ with five 
thousand men, and marched toward Washington city.^ Barney's flotilla, lying 
higher up the stream, was abandoned and burned, and his marines joined the 
gathering land forces, under general Winder. Ross was one of Wellington's 
most active commanders, and Winder had only three thousand troops to oppose 
him, one half of whom were undisciplined militia. A sharp engagement took 
place [Aug. 24] at Bladensburg, a few miles from Washington city, when the 
militia fled, and Barney, fighting gallantly at the head of his seamen and ma- 
rines, was made prisoner. ^ Ross pushed forward to Washington city the same 
day, burned [Aug. 24] the capitol, president's house, and other pubhc and pri- 
vate buildings, and then hastily retreated [Aug. 25] to his shipping, 

11. Flushed with success, Ross proceeded to attack Baltimore, where the 
veteran, general Smith"^ was in command. He landed [Sept. 12, 1814] with al- 
most eight thousand troops, at North Point, fourteen miles from the city, while 
a portion of the fleet went up the Patapsco to bombard Fort M 'Henry. He im- 



1. Verse 12, p. 276. 2. Verse 20, p. 271. 

3. It consisted of a cutter (a vessel with one mast), two gunboats [verse 9, p. 256],and nino barges.or 
boats propelled by oars. 

4. Born in Baltimore, 1759. He entered the naval service of the Revolution in 1775, and was active 
during the whole war. He t)ore the American flag to the French National Convention in 1796, and en- 
tered the French service. He returned to America in 1800, took part in the war of 1812, and died at Pitts- 
barg in 1818. 

5. About twenty-five miles from its mouth. 

6. Another small division was sent up the Potomac, but effected little else than plunder. 

7. Until the latest moment, it was not known whether Washington or Baltimore was to be attacked. 
Winder's troops, employed forthe defence of both cities, were divided. The loss of the British, in killed, 
wounded, and by desertion, was almost iv, thousand men; that of the Americans was about a hundred 
killed and wounded, and a hundred and twenty taken prisoners. The president and his cabinet were 
at Bladensburg when the British approached, but returned to the city when the conflict began, and nar- 
rowlv escaped capture. 

8. Samuel Smith, the commander of Fort Miflin [verse 16, p. 201] in 1777. Ho was born in Pennsyl- 
vania in 1752 ; entered the Revolutionary Army in 1776 ; afterward represented Baltimore in Con- 
gress, and died in April 1839. 



Questions. — 9. What occurred on the sea coasts ? What was done in Chesapeake Bay ? 10. What did 
the British, under Ross, do? What battle occurred ? and what outrages were committed ? 11. What 
occurred near Baltimore ? 



276 THE CONFEDEEATION. 

mediately pressed forward, but was soon met by the advanced corps of general 
Strieker, and a slight skirmish ensued. Ross was killed, and the command de- 
volved on colonel Brooke, who continued to advance, A severe battle now com- 
menced, which continued an hour and a quarter, when the Americans fell back, 
in good order, toward the city. In this engagement, the British lost about three 
hundred men ; the Americans one hundred and sixty-three. Both parties slept 
on their arms^ that night ; and the following morning [Sept. 13], the British ad- 
vanced as if to attack the city. 

12. The fleet, in the meanwhile, had opened its bombs and cannons upon the 
fort, whose garrison, under major Armistead, made a most gallant defence. The 
bombardment continued most of the day and night, and no less than fifteen hun- 
dred bombshells were thrown. The people in the city felt in immediate danger 
of an attack from the land troops ; but toward the morning of the 14th, these 
silently embarked, and the dislieartened and discomfited enemy withdrew.^ 
This defence was hailed as an important victory. 

13. During the Summer, the whole coast eastward from Sandy Hook, 3 was 
greatly annoyed by small British squadrons, which captured many American 
coasting vessels, and sometimes menaced towns with bombardment. Finally, 
in August [1814], commodore Hardy appeared before Stonington, and opened a 
terrible storm of bombshells and rockets^ upon the town. The attack continued 
four successive days [Aug. 9-12], and several times land forces attempted to de- 
bark, but were always driven back by the militia. The object .of this unprovok- 
ed attack seems to have been, to entice the American forces from New London, 
so that British shipping might go up the Thames, and destroy some American 
frigates, tlien near JSTorwich. The expedient signally failed, and no further at- 
tempts, of a similar kind, was made on the Connecticut coast. 

14. "We have already considered Jackson's successful warfare upon the Creek 
Indians.' In the course of the summer of 1814, he wrung from them a treaty, 
which completed their downfall, as anation,^ and the war at the South, was con- 
sidered ended. But the common enemy, favored by the Spaniards at Pensacola, 
soon appeared. A British squadron, cruising in the Gulf of Mexico, took pos- 
session of the forts at Pensacola, by permission of the Spanish authorities, and 
there fitted out an expedition against Fort Bower (now Fort Morgan), at the en- 
trance to Mobile Bay,''' then commanded by major Lawrence. Among the Brit- 
ish land troops, on the occasion, were two hundred Greek warriors. The attack 
was made on the afternoon of the 15th of September. The British were re- 
pulsed, with the loss of a ship of war and many men. 

15. General Jackson held the Spanish governor of Florida responsible for the 
act of giving shelter to the enemies of the United States. Failing to obtain any 
satisfactory guaranty for tne future, Jackson marched from Mobile with about 
two thousand Tennessee militia and some Choctaiv warriors, ao^ainst Pensacola. 



1. Note 3, p. 210. 

2. General Smith estimated the entire loss of the British, in their attack upon Baltimore, at " between 
six and seven hundred." 

3. Verse 5, p. 185. It is a low sand-bank, stretching along the shore of New Jersey. 

4. Rockets used for setting fire to towns and sliipping, are made similar to the common " sky-rocket," 
but filled with inflammable substances, which are scattered over buildings and the rigging of ships. 

6. Verse 15, p. 270. 

6. They agreed to give up a large portion of their country as indemnity for the expenses of the war ; 
to allow the United States to make roads through the remainder ; and also not to hold intercourse with 
any British or Spanish posts. 

7. On the East side, about thir+y miles south from Mobile. 



Questions. — 12. What can you tell of a bombardment ? How did it terminate? 13. What occurred on 
the New England coasts? 14. What can you tell of trouble with the British in Florida? 15. How did 
Jackson regard and treat the Spanish authorities in Florida ? What occurred at Pensacola? What 
caused Jackson's hasty departure? 



SECOND WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. 



277 



He stormed [Nov. 7, 1814] the town, drove the British to their shipping, and 
finally from the harbor, and made the governor beg for mercy and surrender 
Pensacola and all its military works, unconditionally. The British fleet disap- 
peared the next day [Nov. 8], and the victor retraced his steps [Nov 9]. On 
his arrival at Mobile, Jackson found messages from New Orleans, begging his 
immediate march thither, for the British in the Gulf of Mexico, reinforced by 
thousands of troops from England, were about to invade Louisiana. 

16. Jackson instantly obeyed the summons, lie found the people of New 
Orleans in the greatest alarm [Dec. 2], but his presence soon restored quiet and 
contidence. By vigorous, and even rigorous measures (for he declared martial 
law [note 8, p. 129]), he soon placed the city in a state of comparative security ; ' 
and when the British squadron, bearing general Packenham and about twelve 
thousand troops, many of them Welhngton's veterans, entered Lake Borgne, ho 
felt confident of success, even against such fearful odds. 

IT. The British fleet captured a flotilla of American gun-boats in Lake 
Borgne- [Dec. 14] ; and eight days afterward [Dec. 22], about twenty-four hun- 
dred of the enemy reached the Mississippi, nine miles below New Orleans. An 
American detachment, led by Jackson in person, fell upon their camp the fol- 
lowing night [Dec. 23, 1814], but were repulsed, after killing or wounding four 
hundred of the British. The Americans lost about one hundred. 

18. Jackson now concentrated his troops (about three thousand in number, 
and mostly militia) within a line of intrenchments cast up four miles below the 
city, 3 where they were twice cannonaded by the British, but without much ef- 
fect. Finally, on the morning of the 8th of January, 1815, Packenham advanced 
with his whole force, numbering more than twelve thousand men, to make a 
general assault. Reinforced by about three thousand militia (chiefly Kentuckians), 
Jackson now had six thou- 



fv 1 nil •!, Jackson's Line <£?. 




-%"7 .A'^'^^s^^^HSTcV PRESSED 
1(0^' I .f.. I ...- -• " 



Canal' Hodriauez 






sand expert marksmen con- 
cealed behind his intrench- 
ments, or stationed at the 
batteries on his extended 
line. When the British 
had approached within reach 
of these batteries, the 
Americans opened a terri- 
ble cannonade. Yet the 
enemy continued to advance 
until within range of the 
American rifles. Yolley af- 
ter volley then poured a 
deadly storm of lead upon 
the invaders. The British 
column soon wavered, general Packenham fell, and the entire army fled in dis- 

1. All the inlets, or bayous, were obstructed, and the banks of the Mississippi were so fortified as to 
prevent the ascent of vessels. A battery was erected on Chef Menteur, at the entrance to Lake ron- 

^' 2*/ The Americans lost, in killed and wounded, about forty ; the British, about three hundred. The 
attack was made bv the enemy in about forty barges, conveying twelve hundred men Hie American 
gunboats were under the command of lieutenant (late commodore) Thos. Ap Catesby Jones. 

3. These intrenchments were a mile in length, extending from the nver so far mto the s'S'«mT>' "* '^ 
be impassable at the extremity. Along this line were eight distinct batteries, with heavy cannons, ana 
on the opposite side of the river was a battery with fifteen cannons. 



QUI 

•^ii'iWo Bb.Batteries 




BATTLE OF >'EW ORLEANS. 



QueMinm.-\(,. Wh.it caused alarm at New Orleans? What measures dd J"^^^.'^" .«^°P* ; ^„^! •„75rd 
did the British do? What skirmish took place? and what was the result :; 18. ^^ hat P'^^jya >"n. ^'^^^ 
•Jackson make for attack ? What number of soldiers had each army? What can you tell of the battle 
of New Orleans, and its results ? 



278 THE CONFEDERATION. 

may, leaving seven hundred dead, and more than a thousand wounded, on the 
field. The fugitives hastened to their encampment [Jan. 9], and finally to their 
ships [Jan 18 J, and escaped.^ The Americans were so safely intrenched, that 
they lost only seven killed and six wounded, in this victorious battle. It was 
the crowning victory, and last land battle of moment, of the Second War for 
Independence. 

19. The victory at New Orleans made the country vocal with rejoicings, and 
soon after, tlie proclamation of peace [Feb. 18, 1815] spread a smile of happiness 
over the whole Union. As early as December, 1813, the British government 
had sent overtures of peace to that of the United States.^ They were promp tly 
met by the latter in a concihatory spirit, and commissioners were appointed by 
the two powers to negotiate a treaty.^ They met in the city of Ohent, in Bel- 
gium, in the month of August, 1814, and on the 24th of December following, a 
treaty was signed, which both governments speedily ratified. 

20. But during these negotiations, the war, as we have seen, was vigorously 
prosecuted, and the opposition of the Federalists grew more intense. It reached 
its culmination in December, when delegates, appointed by the several New 
England legislatures, met [Dec. 15, 1814] in convention at Hartford, for the pur- 
poses of considering the grievances of the people, caused by a state of war, and 
to devise speedy measures for its termination. This convention, whose sessions 
were secret, was denounced as treasonable, but patriotism appears to have pre- 
vailed in its councils, whatever may have been the designs of some. Its plans 
for disunion or secession, if any were formed, were rendered abortive soon after 
its adjournment, for on the 18th of February, 1815, peace was proclaimed by the 
president, and then a day for national thanksgiving to the Almighty, for the 
blessed event, was observed throughout the Union. 

21. The contest with England had but just ended, when the United States was 
compelled to engage in a brief 

WAR WITH ALGIERS. 

As we have observed, ^ the United States had paid tribute to Algiers since 
1705. Every year, as his strength increased, the ruler of that Barbary State 
became more insolent,''' and finally, believing that the United States navy had 

1. While these operations were in progress on the Mississippi, the British fleet had not been inactive. 
Some vessels bombarded Fort St. Philip, below New Orleans, on the 11th of January, and coutiuued the 
attack for eight days without success. In the meanwhile, admiral Cockburn was pursuing his de- 
testable warfare along the Carolina and Georgia coasts, menacing Charleston and Savannah with de- 
struction, and landing at obscure points to plunder the inhabitants. 

2. During 1814, the war continued on the ocean, yet there were no battles of great importance. The 
Peacock captured the British brig, Kpervier, on the 29th of April, off the coast of Florida-, The Wafp, 
captain Blakely, also made a successful cruise, but after capturing her thirteenth prize, disappeared, 
and was never heard of again. Probably lost in a storm. The President, commodore Decatur, was 
captured off Long Island, on the 16th of January, 1815, and on the 20th of February following, the 
Constitution, commodore Stewart, had a severe action with the British frigate, Cyane, and sloop-of-war, 
Levant, and captured both. Soon after this, the British brig, Penguin, was captured, but the proclamation 
of peace now ended the war. 

3. Note 4, p. 261. 

4. The British schooner Bramble arrived at Annapolis, Maryland, on the 1st of January, 1814, bearing 
a flag of truce, and a proposition for peace. On the 6th, the President informed Congress of the fact. 

5. Tlie United States commissioners were John Quincy Adams, James A. Bayard, Henry Clay, Jona- 
than Russel, and Albert Gallatin, [note 2, p. 253]. Those of Great Britain were admiral lord Gambier, 
Henry Goulbourn, and William Adams. These commissioners are all dead. Mr. Clay, who died in 
1852, was the last survivor. 

6. Verse 14, p. 249. 

7. Verse 3, p. 253. In 1812, the dey compelled Mr. Lear, the American consul [verse 5, p. 254], to 
pay him $27,000, for the safety of himself, family, and a few Americans, under the penalty of all being 
made slaves. 



Questions. — 19. What were the effects of the battle of New Orleans ? What was done toward a treaty 
of peace? 20. What did the Federalists do? What can you tell of a secret convention? What of 
peace? 21. What other war did the United States engage in? What can you tell of the relations be- 
tween the United States and Algiers ? What did the former resolve to do ? 



Monroe's administration. 279 

been almost annihilated by the British, he made a pretense for renewing depre- 
dations upon American commerce, in violation of the treaty. Our government 
determined to pay tribute no longer, accepted the challenge, and in May, 1815, 
commodore Decatur' proceeded with a squadron to the Mediterranean, to humble 
the pirate. 

22. Fortunately, the Algerine fleet was cruising in the Mediterranean, in 
search of American vessels. On the 17th of June [1815], Decatur met and cap- 
tured the frigate of the Algerine admiral, and another vessel with almost six 
hundred men, and then sailed for the bay of Algiers. He immediately demanded 
[June 28] the instant surrender of all American prisoners, full indemnification 
for all property destroyed, and absolute relinquishment of all claims to tribute 
from the United States, in future. Informed of the fate of a part of his fleet, the 
dey2 yielded to the humiliating terms, and signed a treaty [June 30] to that effect. 

23. Decatur then sailed for Tunis,^ and demanded and received [July, 1815] 
from the bashaw, •* forty-six thousand dollars, in payment for American vessels 
which he had allowed the EngUsh to capture in his harbor. The same demand 
on the same account, was made upon the bashaw of Tripoli,^ and Decatur re- 
ceived [August] twenty-five thousand dollars from him, and the restoration of 
prisoners. This cruise in the Mediterranean gave full security to American 
commerce in those seas, and greatly elevated the character of the government 
of the United States in the opinion of Europe. Now was accomplished, during 
a single cruise, what the combined powers of Europe dared not to attempt. 

24. The eventful administration of Mr. Madison now drew to a close, and 
very little of general interest occurred, except the chartering of a new United 
States Bank,s and the admission of Indiana [December, 1816] into the Union of 
States. In the Autumn of 1816, James Monroe, of Virginia, who was Madison's 
Secretary of "War for a few months, was elected president of the United States, 
and Daniel D. Tompkins, 7 of New York, vice-president.^ 



'•♦■>■»■ 



SECTION VII. 

Monroe's administration. [1811 — 1825]. 

1. Mr. Monroe^ was inaugurated on the 4th of March, 1817, at Congress 
Hall, in Washington City, the capitol having been destroyed by the British.'" 
He selected his cabinet from the repubhcan party ;^^ and never, since the for- 



1. Verse 4, p. 254. 2. Verse 14, p. 249. 3. Verse 3, p. 253. 

4. Verse 5, p. 254. 5. Verse 5, p. 254. „. , ... 

6. The first, as we have observed [verse 6, p. 247], was chartered in 1791. That charter expired in 
1811 A project for a new bank was presented to the consideration of Congress, at the session of 
1815^'16, and on the 10th of April, 1816, a charter for twenty years, with a capital of $35,000,000, was 
granted. The existence of the bank expired with this charter in 18.36. „ „-, ^ -j * 

7 Born in 1774. He was a prominent democrat when Jefferson was elected [verse 6, p. 252] F resident 
of the United States. He was chief justice of New York, and also governor of the State. He died on 
Staten Island, in 1825. „ , ^ /• -vt tt t,- „n ...oo 

8. Mr. Monroe's election was by an almost unanimous vote. Only one vote (in New Hampshire; was 
east against him. . . . . ,__. , „ *„ *i,« 

9. James Monroe was born in Virginia, in 1759. He entered the patriot army in In 6, and rose to the 
rank of captain. He was a member of Congress in 17&3, of the U. S. Senate in l'90Kovernor of Vir- 
ginia in 1799, and minister to France and England in 1803. He died m New York on the 4th July, 1831. 

10. Verse 10, p. 275. 11- Verse 9, p. 247. 

Questions.— 22. Wbat can you relate of commodore Decatur's exploits in the Mediterranean? What 
did he accomplish? 23. What did Decatur accomplish at Tunis and Tripoli? What did his cruise eHect 
24. What notable events occurred during the remainder of Madison's administration . 1. ^^i"^" """ 
where was Monroe inaugurated President of the United States ? Why there ? What was the character 
of his cabinet ? What was the condition of the country ? 



280 



THE CONFEDEKATION. 



mation of the government, had a president 
been surrounded with abler counsellors.^ 
Monroe was a judicious and reliable man; 
and when we reflect upon the condition of 
the country at that time — in a transition 
state from war and confusion to peace and 
order, — his elevation to the presidency seems 
to have been a national blessing. 

2. During the war, a large number of 
manufacturing establishments had been nur- 
tured into vigorous life by great demands 
and high prices ; but when peace returned, 
and European manufactures flooded the 
country at very low prices, wide-spread 
ruin ensued, and thousands of men were 
compelled to seek other employments. The 
apparent misfortune was a mercy in disguise, 
for the nation. Beyond the Alleghanies, 
millions of fertile acres, possessing real 
wealth, were awaiting the tiller's industry 
and skill.- Agriculture beckoned the bank- 
rupts to her fields. Homes in the east were 
deserted ; emigration flooded over the moun- 
tains in a broad and vigorous stream ; and 
before the close of Monroe's administration, 
four new sovereign States had started into 
being^ from the wilderness of the great 
"West, and one in the East.'* 

3. The first year of Monroe's administra- 
tion was chiefly distinguished by the ad- 
mission [Dec. 1817] of a portion of the 
Mississippi territory into the Union, as a 
State, 5 and the suppression of two pirat- 
ical and slave-dealing establishments near 

the southern and south-western borders of the Eepublic. One of them was 
at the mouth of the St. Mary's, Florida, and the other at G-alveston, Texas. In 
addition to a clandestine trade in slaves, these buccaneers,^ under pretence of au- 




MONROE, AND HIS RESIDENCE. 



1. John Quincy Adams, Secretary of State ; William H. Crawford, Secretary of the Treasury ; John 
C. Calhoun, Secretary of War ; Benjamin Crowninshield, Secretary of the Navy ; and William Wirt, 
Attorney-General. He offered the War Department to the venerable governor Shelby, of Kentucky 
[verse 8, p. 267J, who declined it. Calhoun was appointed in December, 1817. Crowninshield, who was 
in Madison's cabinet, continued in office until the close of Nov., 1818, when Smith Thompson, of New 
York, was appointed in his place. 

2. The progress of the States and Territories west of the Alleghanies [note 3, p. 14| in wealth and pop- 
ulation, is truly wonderful. Fifty years ago, those immense lakes, Ontario, Erie, Michigan, Huron and 
Superior, were entirely without commerce, and an Indian's canoe was almost the only craft seen upon 
them. In 1853, the value of tratfic upon these waters and the navigable rivers, was estimated at 
§502,000,000. See note 5, p. 324. Twenty years ago [1834] there were less than five thousand white 
people in the vast region between Ijake Michigan and the Pacific Ocean ; now [1854] the number is 
probably two millions. Chicago was then a mere hasilet ; now [1854] it is a fine city, with more than 
seventy thousand inhabitants. And never was the growth of the Great West more rapid than at the 
present. 

3. Mississippi, Illinois, Alabama and Missouri. 4. Maine. 

5. The Territory was divided. The western portion was made a State, and the eastern was erected 
into a Territory, named Alabaiua, after its principal river. It included a portion of Georgia, given for 
a consideration. See note 1, p. 284. 

6. Note 6, p. 110. ^ 

Qitefitionn. — 2. What caused wide-spread commercial ruin? 3. What good ensued? 3. What events 
diitmguiihed the first year of Monroe's administration? Can you relate the circumstances? 



Monroe's administration. 281 

tlioritj from some of the Spanish republics of South America/ were endeavor- 
ing to liberate the Floridas from the dominion of Spain.2 In November, 1817, 
United States troops proceeded to take possession of Amelia Island, the ren- 
dezvous of the pirates on the Florida coast, and the Galveston establishment 
soon disappeared for want of support. 

4. Another difficulty arose at about the same time. A motley host, composed 
chiefly of Seminole Indians.^ Greeks dissatisfied with the treaty of 1814,^ and run- 
away negroes, commenced murderous depredations upon the frontier settlements 
of Georgia and the Alabama Territory, toward the close of 1817. General Gaines' 
was sent to suppress these outrages, and to remove every Indian from the Ter- 
ritory which the Creeks had ceded to the United States, in 1814. His presence 
aroused the fiercest ire of the Indians, who, it was ascertained, were incited to 
hostilities by British subjects, protected by the Spanish authorities in Florida. 
Gaines was placed in a perilous position, when general Jackson, with a thousand 
mounted Tennessee volunteers, hastened [Dec. 1817] to his aid. 

5. Jackson marched [March, 1818] into Florida, took possession [April] of 
the weak Spanish post of St. Mark, at the head of Appalachee bay,^ and sent the 
civil authorities and troops to Pensacola.''' At St. Mark he secured the persons 
of Alexander Arbuthnot and Robert C. Ambrister,^ who, on being tried [April 
26] by a court martial, were found guilty of being the principal emissaries 
among the southern Indians, inciting them to hostiUties. They were both exe- 
cuted on the 30th of the same month. Jackson afterward seized Pensacola 
[May 24]. captured the fortress of Barancas [May 27] at the entrance to Pen- 
sacola Bay, and sent the Spanish authorities and troops to Havanna. 

6. General Jackson was much censured for this invasion of the Territory of a 
friendly power, and his summary proceedings there. His plea, in justification, 
was the known interference of the Spanish authorities in Florida, in our domes- 
tic affairs, by sheltering those who were exciting the Indians to bloody deeds; 
and the absolute necessity of prompt and efficient measures at the time. He 
was sustained by the government, and the voice of the people. These measures 
also led to the important treaty^ at Washington in February, 1819, by which 
Spain ceded to the United States the whole of the Floridas, and the adjacent 
islands, and that country was erected into a Territory in February, 1821. Gen- 
eral Jackson was appointed [March, 1821] the first governor of the newly-ac- 
quired domain. 

7. While the treaty concerning Florida was pending, the southern portion of 



1. During the first quarter of the present centur}-, nearly all of the countries in Central and South 
America, which, since the conquests of ('ortez [verse 23, p. 31] and Pizzaro [note 1, p. 32], had been im- 
der the Spanish yoke, rebelled, and forming republics, became independent of Spain. It was the policy 
of our government to encourage these republics, by preventing the re-establishment of monarchial 
power on the American continent. This is known as " The Monroe doctrine." 

2. Verse IS, p. 30. 3. Verse 4, p. 21. 4. Verse 14, p. 276. 

5. Edmun 1 P. Gaines was born in Virginia, in 1777. He entered the army in 1799, and rose gradually 
until he was made major-general for his gallantry at Fort Erie [verse 5, p. 273] in 1814. He remained 
in the armv until his death, in 1849. 

6. Verse'24, p. 31. 7. Verse 14, p. 276. 

8. Arbuthnot was a Scotch trader from New Providence, one of the Bermuda Islands. He had a store 
on the Suwaney river, where many of the hostile Indians and negroes congregated. Arabrister was a 
young Englishman, about twenty-one years of age, who had borne a lieutenant's commission in the Brit- 
ish service. He was also at the Suwaney settlements, and put himself at the head of the Indians and 
negroes. 

9. Made by John Quincv Adams for the United States, and Don Onis, the Spanish ambassador at Wash- 
ington. Hitherto the United States had claimed a large portion of Texas, as a part of Louisiana. By 



Questions. — 1. What can you tell of border warfare at the South ? What was done to suppress it ? 5. 
What did Jackson do in Florida? Who caused trouble there? Wliat rigorous measures were carried 
OMt? 6 How were Jackson's proceedings regarded? What was his plea? What was the result? 7. 
What new Territory was formed? and how? What new States sought admission into the Union? What 
caused agitation? 



282 THE CONFEDERATION. 

a vast region of the remaining territory of Louisiana, extending westward of that 
state to the Pacific Ocean, which was erected into the " Missouri territory" in 
1812, was formed into a territorial government [1819], and called Arkansas. In 
December, the same year, Alabama was admitted into the Union ; and at the 
same time, Missouri and Maine were making overtures for a similar position. 
Maine was admitted in March, 1820.^ but the entrance of Missouri was delayed 
until August, 1821, by a violent and protracted debate which sprung up be- 
tween the North and the South on the subject of Slavery, on account of the 
proposition for its admission, 

8. During the session of 1818-19, a bill was introduced into Congress, which 
contained a provision forbidding the introduction of slavery or involuntary ser- 
vitude into the new State of Missouri, when admitted. Violent debates arose, 
and the subject was postponed until another session. The whole country was 
agitated by disputes on the subject : and when it was again brought before Con- 
gress [Nov. 23, 1820] angry disputes and long discussions ensued. A compro- 
mise was finally agreed to [Feb. 28. 1821], by which slavery should be allowed 
in Missouri and in all territory south of thirty-six degrees and thirty minutes 
north latitude (southern boundary of Missouri), and prohibited in all the ter- 
ritory northerly and westerly of these limits. This is known as TTie Missouri 
Compromi^e.'^ Under this compromise, Missouri was admitted [Aug. 21. 1821], 
and the excitement on the subject ceased. The confederation was now com- 
posed of twenty-four sovereign States.^ 

9. During the pendency of the Missouri question, Mr, Monroe was re-elected 
president [1820], and Mr. Tompkins^ vice-president, by an almost unanimous 
vote, the old Federal party, '^ as an organization, being nearly extinct. His ad- 
ministration had been very popular, and the country was blessed with general 
prosperity. Two other measures, besides those already noticed, received the 
warmest approbation of the people. The first was an act of Congress passed 
[March, 1818] in pursuance of Monroe's recommendation, making provision, in 
some degree, for the surviving oflBcers and soldiers of the Revolution, It was 
subsequently extended so as to include the widows and children of those who 
were deceased. The other was an arrangement made with Great Britain. [Oct. 
1818], by which American citizens were allowed to share with those of that 
realm, in the valuable Newfoundland fisheries.^ 

10. Yery little of general importance, aside from the rapid progress of the 
country in all its industrial and governmental operations, occurred during the 
remainder of Monroe's administration, except the suppression of piracy among 
the "West India Islands, and the visit of general La Fayette''' to the United States, 
as the nation's guest. In 1822, a small American squadron destroyed more than 
twenty piratical vessels on the coast of Cuba, and the following year the work 
was completed by a larger force, under commodore Porter.^ 

11. La Fayette, the companion in arms of Washington^ during the Revolution- 
ary struggle, arrived at New York, from France, in August, 1824, and during 

this treaty, Texas was retained hy the Spaniards. The cession was made as an equivalent for all 
claims against Spain for injury done the American commerce to an amount not exceeding $5,000,000. 
The treaty was not finally ratified until February, 1821. 
1. Verse 31, p. 95. " 2. Verse 8, p. 322. 

3. Illinois was admitted as a State in December, 1818. 

4. Verse 24, p. 279. 5. Verse 9, p. 247. 

6. Verse 15, p. 316. At the same time, the northern boundary of the United States, from the Lake of 
the Woods to the Rocky Mountains, was defined. 

7. Verse 12, p. 199. 8. Verse 21, p. 272. 9. Verse 12, p. 199. 



Qtiestioiig.S. What can you tell about the admission of Missouri into the Union 1 What compromise 
was made and what did it effect ? 9. What political changes occurred ? What was the character of Mon- 
roe's administration ? What measures were popular? 10. What was done to suppress piracy? II. What 
distinguished man visited the United States? How was he received, and how sent home? 



ADAMS'S ADMINISTRATION. 



283 



about eleven succeeding months, he made a tour of over five thousand miles, 
throughout the United States, He was everywhere greeted with the warmest 
enthusiasm, and was often met by men who had served under him in the first 
war for independence. When he was prepared to return, an American frigate, 
named Brandywine, in compliment to him,i was sent by the United States gov- 
ernment to convey him back to France. 

12. In the Autumn of 1824, the people 
were called upon to select a successor 
to Mr. Monroe. Four candidates, rep- 
resenting the different sections of the 
Union, "2 were put in nomination. The re- 
sult was, that the choice devolved upon the 
House of Representatives, for the second 
time.3 That body chose John Quincy 
Adams, president. John C. Calhoun had 
been chosen vice-president by the peo- 
ple. The election and final choice pro- 
duced great excitement throughout the 
country, and engendered political rancor 
equal to that which prevailed during the 
administration of the elder Adams.* 



SECTION VIII. 



ADAMS'S ADMINISTRATION. [1825 — 1829.] 

1. John Quincy Adams^ was inaugurated 
on the 4th of March, 1825. The Senate be- 
ing in session, he immediately nominated his 
cabinet officers, and all but one were con- 
firmed by a unanimous vote of that body.s 

2. The political views of Mr. Adams 
were consonant with those of Mr. Monroe, 
and the foreign and domestic policy of his 
administration, was generally conformable 
to those views. The amity which existed 
between the United States and foreign 
governments, and the absence of serious 




J. Q. ADAMS, AND BIS RESIDENCE. 



1. His first battle for freedom in America, was that on the Brandywine, in September, 1777, where he 
•was wounded in the leg. [Note 1, p. 201.] 

2. John Quincy Adams in the East, William H. Crawford, in the South, Andrew Jackson and Henry 
Clay, in the West. 

3. Note 6, p. 252. 4. \ erse 6, p. 252. 

5. John Quincy Adams, son of President John Adams, was born at Quincy, Massachusetts, in 1(6/, 
and at the time of his death, his home residence was in the old family mansion, so long occupied by his 
father. He was in public life in the service of his country from his youth, as legislator at home, and 
minister abroad. He was a fine scholar and sound statesman, and a warm-hearted philanthropist. He 
died at Washington city, in 1848, while a member of the House of Representatives. 

6 Henry Clay, Secretary of State ; Richard Rush, Secretary of the Treasury ; James Barbour. Secre- 
tary of War ; Samuel L. Southard (continued in oflice), Secretary of the Navy : and William Wirt (con- 
tinued), Attorney General. There was considerable opposition in the senate, to the confirmation of Henry 
Clay's nomination. He had been charged with defeating the election of general Jackson, by giving his 
influence to Mr Adams, on condition that he should be appointed his Secretary of State. This, how- 
ever, was only a bubble on the surface of political strife, and had no truthful substance. In the Senate, 
there were twenty -seven votes in favor, and fourteen against confirming the nomination of Mr. Clay. 

Question.1.— 12. Wliat occurred in the Antumn of 1824? What was ihc result of the election of Presi- 
dent ? 1. What of Mr. Adams's inauguration and appointments ? 2. What was the character of his aa- 
ministratioD ? and what did he accomplish ? 



284 THE CONFEDERATION. 

domestic troubles, made the administration of Mr, Adams a remarkably quiet one, 
and gave the executive opportunities for adjusting the operations of treaties 
with the Indian tribes, and the arrangement of measures for the promotion of those 
great staple interests of the country, agriculture, commerce, and manufactures. 
Discords, which the election had produced, excited the whole country during 
Mr. Adams's administration, with the agitations incident to excessive party zeal, 
and bitter party rancor ; yet the president, thoroughly acquainted with all the 
public interests, and as thoroughly skiUed in every art of diplomacy and juris- 
prudence, managed the affairs of State with a lidehty and sagacity which com- 
mand our warmest approbation. 

3. The most exciting topic, at the beginning of Adams's administration [1825], 
was a controversy between the federal government and the chief magistrate of 
Georgia, concerning the lands of the Creek Indians, and the removal of those 
aboriginals from the territory of that State. Governor Troup, impatient at the 
tardiness of the United States in extinguishing Indian titles and removing the 
remnants of the tribes, according to stipulation, ^ assumed the right to do it himself. 
The United States took the attitude of defenders of the Indians, and, for a time, 
the matter bore a serious aspect. The difficulties were finally settled, and the 
Greeks- and Cherokees^ gradually removed to the rich wilderness beyond the 
Mississippi.* 

4. The fiftieth anniversary of American Independence, which occurred on the 
4th of July, 1826, was distinguished by a most remarkable coincidence. On that 
day, and almost at the same hour, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, expired. 
They were both members of the committee who had framed the Declaration of 
Independence, 5 both signed it,** both had been foreign ministers,''' both had been 
vice-presidents, and then presidents of the United States, and both had hved 
to a great age.'* These coincidences, and the manner and time of their death, 
produced a profound impression upon the pubhc mind. 

1. When Georgia relinquished her claims to portions of the Mississippi Territory [note 4, p. 280], the 
federal government agreed to purchase, for that State, the Indian lands within its borders, " -whenever 
it could be peaceably done upon reasonable terras." The Creeks, who, with their neighbors, the Chero- 
liees, were beginning to practise the arts of civilized life, refused to sell their lands. The governor of 
Georgia demanded the immediate fulfilment of the contract. He caused a survey of the lands to be 
made, and prepared to distribute them by lottery, to the citizens of that State. The federal government 
interfered in behalf of the Indians, and a civil war was menaced. 

2. Verse 2, p. 21. 3. Verse 1, p. 19. 

4. The great Erie canal, in the State of New York, was com- 
pleted in 1825. It was the most important and stupendous public 
improvement, ever undertaken in the United States. Its earliest 
advocate was Jesse Hawley, who, in a series of articles published 
in 1807 and 1808, signed Hercules, set forth the feasibility and 
great importance of such a connection of the waters of Lake 
Erie and the Hudson river. His views were warmly seconded 
by Gouverneur Morris [p. 244], ^^ewitt Clinton, and a few others, 
and its final accomplishment was the result, chiefly, of the un- 
tiring efforts, privately and officially, of the latter gentleman, 
while a member of the legislature, and governor of tlie State. 
It is three hundred and sixty-three miles in length, and the first 
estimate of its cost was S5,000.000. Portions of it have since 
been enlarged, to meet the increasing demands of its commerce, 
and in 1S53, the people of the State decided, bv a general vote, 
to have it enlarged its entire length. Dewitt Clinton, its chief 
patron, was a son of general James Clinton, of Orange county, 
New York. He was born in March, 1769. He was mayor of 
New York ten years, and was elected governor of the State in 
1817, and again in 1820 and 1826. He died suddenly while in 
that office, in February, 1828. 

i 5. Verse 9, p. 186. 

DEWITT CLiJfTOX. C. Jefferson was its author, and Adams its principal supporter 

in the Continental Congress. 

7. Note 5, p. 241, and note 2, p. 246. 

8. Mr. Adams died at Quincy, Massachusetts, at the age of almost ninety-one years. Mr. Jefferson 
died at Monticello, Virginia, at the age of almost eighty-three years. 

Questions. — 3. What serious difficulty occurred in 1825 ? How was it settled? 4. What occurred on 
the lifdeth anniversary of the independence of the United States? 




Adams's administkation. 285 

5. So peaceful and prosperous were the remaining years of Mr. Adams's ad- 
ministration, that public affairs present very few topics for the pen of the gen- 
eral historian.' The most important movement in foreign policy, was the ap- 
pointment, early in 1826, of commissioners- to attend a congress of representa- 
tives of the South American republics, 3 held at Panama [June, 1826], on the 
Pacific coast. This appointment produced much discussion in Congress, chiefly 
on party grounds. The result of the congress at Panama was comparatively 
unimportant, so far as the United States were concerned, and appears to have 
had very little influence on the affairs of South America. 

6. It was during the administration of Mr. Adams, that the policy of pro- 
tecting home manufactures, by imposing a heavy duty upon foreign articles of 
the same kind, assumed the shape of a settled national policy, and the founda- 
tions of the American System,^ as that policy 

is called, was then laid. It was very popular 
with the manufacturers of the Xorth, but the 
cotton growing States, which found a ready 
market for the raw material in England, op- 
posed it. A tariff law, passed in 1828 [May 
15], was very obnoxious to the Southern 
people.^ They denounced it as oppressive and 
unconstitutional, and it led to menaces of se- 
rious evils, in 1831 and 1832.6 

7. Another Presidential election was held 
in the Autumn of 1828. The excitement 
was very great throughout the country, 
for the friends of the candidates (Adams and 
Jackson) had been long preparing for the con- 
test. It resulted in the election of Andrew 
Jackson for president, and John C. Calhoun^ john c. caluoux. 

1. An event occurred in 182G, which produced great excitement througrhout the country, and led to 
the formation of a new, and for a time,, quite a powerful political party. William Morgan, of Western 
New York, announced his intention to publish a book, in which the secrets of Free Masonry were to be 
disclosed. He was suddenly seized at Canandaigua one evening, placed in a carriage, and was never 
heard of afterwards. Some Free Masons were charged with his murder, andthe report of an investiga- 
ting committee, appointed by the New York State Legislature, confirmed the suspicion. The public 
mind was greatly agitated, and there was a disposition to exclude Free Masons from office. An Anti- 
Jlasonic party was formed, and its organization spread over several States. In 1331, a national Anti-Ma- 
sonic convention was held at Philadelphia, and William Wirt, of Virginia, was nominated for the office of 
president of the United States. Although the party polled a considerable vote, it soon afterward disap- 
peared. 

2. R. C. Addison, and John Sargeant, commissioners, and William B. Rochester, of New York, their 
secretary. 

3. Note 1, p. 281. 

4. The illiberal commmercial policy of Great Britain, caused tariff laws to be enacted by Congress, as 
early as 1816, as retaliatory measures. In 1824, imposts were laid on foreign fabrics, with a view to en- 
courage American manufactures. In July, 1827, a national convention was held at Ilarrisbuig, in 
Pennsylvania, to discuss the subject of protective tariffs. Only four of the slave States sent delegates. 
The result of the convention was a memorial to Congress, asking an augmentation of duties on several 
.articles, then manufactured in the United States. The Secretary of the Treasury called attention to the 
subject in his report in December, 1827. Congress took up the matter, and a Tariff Bill became a law in 
May following. 

5. The chief articles on which heavy protective duties were laid, were woollen and cotton fabrics. At 
that time, the value of annual imports of cotton goods from Great Britain, was about SS,0OO,l»0O ; that 
of woollen goods about the same. The exports to (Jreat Britain, of cotton, rice, and tobacco, alone (the 
chief products of the southern States), was about §24,000,000 annually. These producers feared a great 
diminution of their exports, by a tariff that should almost wholly prohibit the importation of threp mill- 
ions of dollars worth of British cotton and woollen fabrics, annually. 

6. Verse 6, p. 288. 

7. John C. Calhoun was born in South Carolina, in 1782. He first appeared in Congress in 1811, and 
was always distinguished for his consistency, especially in his support of the institution of slavery, and 




Queiitions.—5. What important movement took place in 1826 ? 6. What national policy was established 
in 1828? What was thought of a tariff law? 7. What can you tell of a presidential election in 182»? 
What pleasing aspect was presented ? 



286 



THE CONFEDERATION. 



(re-elected) vice-president, by large majorities. During the contest, the people 
appeared to be on the verge of civil war, so violent was the party strife, and so 
malignant were the denunciations of the candidates. When it was over, perfect 
tranquillity prevailed, the people cheerfully acquiesced in the result, and our 
system of government was nobly vindicated before the world. 

8. President Adams left to his successor 
a legacy of unexampled national prosperity, 
peaceful relations with all the world, a 
greatly diminished national debt, and a sur- 
plus of more than five millions of dollars in 
the public Treasury. He also bequeathed to 
the republic the tearful gratitude of the sur- 
viving soldiers of the Revolution, among 
whom had been distributed in pensions,' 
during his administration, more than five 
millions of dollars. 




SECTION IX. 

JACKSON'S ADMINISTRATION. [1829-1837.] 

1. General Jackson^ was surrounded by 
several surviving ofiicers and soldiers of the 
Revolution, when, on the 4th of March 
1829, he was inaugurated president of the 
United States. The whole of president 
Adams's Cabinet ofiBcers having resigned, 
Jackson immediately nominated his political 
friends for his counsellors, and the Senate 
confirmed his choice.^ 

2. Jackson was possessed of strong pas- 
sions, an uncorrupt heart, and an iron will. 
Honest and inexorable, he siezed the helm 
of the ship of state with a patriot's hand, re- 
solved to steer it according to his own concep- 
tions of the meaning of his guiding chart, 
The Coiistitution,^ unmindful of the interfer- 
ence of friends or foes. His audacity amazed his friends, and alarmed his op- 
ponents; and no middle men existed. He was either thoroughly loved or 



JACKSON AND HIS RESIDENCE. 



the doctrine of State rights. He was a sound and incorruptible statesman, and commanded the thorough 
respect of the whole country. He died at Washington city, while a member of the United States Senate, 
in March, 1850. 

1. Verse 9, p. 282. 

2. Andrew Jackson was born of Protestant Irish parents, in North Carolina, in 1767- He took part in 
the war of the Revolution while yet a lad, and was always distinguished for his bravery and patriotism. 
The chief events in his military life have been given in preceding pages. On leaving the Presidency, 
he retired to private life on his estate, near Nashville, Tennessee, where he died in June 1845. 

3. Martin Van Buren, Secretary of State ; Samuel D. Ingham, Secretary of the Treasury ; John H. 
Eaton, Secretary of War ; John Branch, Secretary of the Navy ; and John McPherson Berrian, Attor- 
ney-General. It having been determined to make the Postmaster-General a Cabinet officer, William T. 
Barry was appointed to that station. 4. Page 332. 



Qiiestions. — 8. What legacies did president Adams leave ? 1. What can you tell of Jackson's inaugu- 
ration and appointments ? 2. What was Jackson's character? How did he manage public affairs? 



JACKSON'S ADMINISTRATION. 287 

thoroughly hated ; and for eight years he braved the fierce tempests of party 
strife/ domestic perplexities,- and foreign arrogance,^ with a skill and courage 
wliich demands the admiration of his countrymen, however much they may 
have ditfered with him in matters of national policy, 

3. The claims of Georgia^ to lands held by the powerful Cherokee tribes of 
Indians, lying within the limits of that State, were among the first subjects of 
general interest which occupied the attention of the president. Jackson favored 
the views of the Georgia authorities, and the white people proceeded to take 
possession of the Indians' land. Trouble ensued, and civil war was again men' 
aced. In March [March 30, 1832], the Supreme court of the United States 
decided against the claims of Georgia ; but that State, favored by the President, 
resisted the decision. The difficulty was finally adjusted; and in 1838, general 
Scott^ was sent thither, with several thousand troops, to remove the Cherokees^'' 
forcibly, if necessary, beyond the Mississippi. Through the kindness and con- 
ciliation of Scott, they were induced to migrate peacefully. 

4. Another cause for public agitation appeared in 1832. In his first annual 
message [Dec. 1829] Jackson took strong ground against the renewal of the 
charter of the United States Bank,^ as not authorized by the Constitution. Con- 
gress decided that such an act would be both constitutional and expedient ; and 
at the close of 1831, the proper officers of the Bank petitioned for a renewal of 
its charter. Long debates ensued ; and, finally, a bill for re-chartering the 
Bank, passed both houses of Congress.^ Jackson vetoed^" it [July 10, 1832]; 
and as it failed to receive the support of two-thirds of the members of both 
Houses, the Bank Charter expired, by limitation, in 1836. The commercial 
community, regarding a national bank as essential to their prosperity, were 
alarmed ; and prophecies of panics and business revulsions, everywhere uttered, 
helped to accomplish their own speedy fulfilment. 

5. During the Spring of 1832, portions of some of the Western tribes,'' residing 
in Winconsinj''^ led by Black Hawk,'^ a fiery Sac chiefj commenced [April 1832] 
warfare upon the frontier settlers of Illinois. After several skirmishes with 
United States troops and Illinois militia, under general Atkmson,'^ the Indians 

1. Following the precedent of Jefferson [verse 1, p. 252], he filled a largre number of the public offices 
•with his political friends, after removing the incumbents. These removals were for all causes ; and 
during his administration, they amounted to six hundred and ninety out of several thousands, who were 
removable. The entire number of removals made by all the preceding presidents, from 1790 to 1829, was 
seventy-four. 

2. Verse 3, p. 287, and verse 7, p. 288. 3. Note 1, p. 291. 4. Verse 3, p. 284. 
5. Verse 1, p. 19. 6. Note 1, p. 274, and verse 18, p. 303. 

7. The Cherokees were involved in the difficulties of their Creek neighbors. They were defended 
against the encroachments of the Georgians during Adams's administration, but in December, 1829, 
they were crushed, as a nation, by an act of Congress. The Cherokee^ were more advanced in the arts 
of civilized life than the Creeks. They had churches, schools, and a printing press, and were becoming 
successful agriculturists. It appeared" cruel in the extreme to remove them from their fertile lands and 
the graves of their fathers, to the wilderness ■ yet it was, doubtless, a proper measure for insuring the 
prosperity of both races. But now, again, the tide of civilization is beating against their borders. Will 
they not t»e borne upon its powerful wave, farther into the wilderness ? 

8. Verse 24. p. 279. 

9. The Senate, on the 11th of June, by twenty -eight against twenty votes ; and by the House of Rep- 
resentatives, on the 3d of July, by one hundred and seven against eighty-five. 

10. That is, refused to sign it, and returned it to Congress with his reasons, for reconsideration by 
that body. The Constitution gives the president this power, and when exercised, a bill cannot become 
law without his signature, unless it shall, on reconsideration, receive the votes of two-thirds of the mem- 
bers of both houses of Congress. See article I, section 7, of the Constitution, p. 134. 

11. Sar,<!, Foxes and Winnebagoes. See Chap. I,, Sec. II., p. 12. 

12. This was not made a territory until four years after this event. 

13. Verses, p. 1.3. . ,„^ xx 

14. Henry Atkinson was a native of North Carolina, and entered the army as captam, in 1808. He 
was retained in the army after the second War for Independence, was made adjutant-general, and 
was finally appointed to the command of the Western Army. He died at Jefferson barracks in June, 1842. 

Questions.— S. What can you tell of the claims of Georgia to Indian lands? How were the difficulties 
adjusted ? 4. What other event caused public agitation ? What can you tell of a United States Bank and 
its relation to the business of the country ? 5. What border war occurred in 1832 T What of its progress 
and results ? 



2S8 



THE CONFEDERATION. 



were driven beyond the Mississippi. Black Hawk was captured [Aug. l!^32], 
and taken to Washington city ; and then, to impress his mind with the stren;{:th 
of the nation he had foohshly made war witli, he was conducted through several 
of the eastern cities. This brief strife, which appeared quite alarming at 
one time, is known as the " Black Hawk "War."^ 

6. The discontents of the cotton-growing. States, produced by the tariff act of 
1828,- assumed the form of rebellion in South Carolina, toward the close of 
1832. An act of Congress, imposing additional duties upon foreign goods, 
passed in the Spring of 1832, led to a State convention in South Carolina, in 
November following. That assembly declared the tariff acts unconstitutional, 
and, therefore, null and void. It resolved that duties should not be paid ; and 
proclaimed that any attempt to enforce the collection of duties in the port of 
Charleston, by the general government, would be resisted by arms, and would 
produce the withdrawal of South Carolina from the Union. To support this de- 
termination, miUtary preparations were immediately made, and civil war ap- 
peared inevitable. 

7. The crisis was promptly met by president Jackson, in a proclamation [Dec 
10], which denied the right of a State to nullify any act of the Federal Government ; 
and warned those who were engaged in fomenting a rebellion, that the laws 
of the United States would be strictly enforced by military power, if necessary. 
This proclamation met the hearty response of every friend of the Union, of what- 
ever party, and greatly increased that majority of the president's supporters, 

who had just re-elected him to the Chief Magis- 
tracy of the Republic.3 The nullifiers^ of South 
Carolina, though led by such able men as Cal- 
houn^ and Hayne,^ were obliged to yield for the 
moment ; yet their zeal and determination in 
the cause of State rights, were not abated. 
Every day the tempest-cloud of civil commotion 
grew darker and darker ; until, at length, Henry 
Clay,''' a warm friend of the American system,^ 
came forward, in Congress [Feb. 12, 1833], with a 
bill, which provided for a gradual reduction of the 
obnoxious duties, during the succeeding ten 
years. This compromise measure was accepted 
l3y both parties. It became a law [March 3], and 
discord between the North and the South soon 
ceased, but only for a season. 




H2XRY CLAY. 



1. Black Hawk returned to his people, but was, with difficulty, restored to his former dignity of chief. 
He died in October, 1840, and was buried on the banks of the Mississippi. 

2. Verse 6, p. 235. 

3. Jackson was re-elected by a large majority, in November, 1832, over Mr. Clay, the opposing can- 
ditate. Martin Van Btiren, of New York, was elected Vice-President. 

4. Those who favored the doctrine that a State might nullify the acts of the Federal government, were 
called nuUiJiers, and the dangerous doctrine itself was called nullification. 

5 Note 7, p. 285. Mr. Calhoun had recently resigned the office of vice-president of the United 
States, and was one of the ablest men in Congress, fie asserted the State Rights doctrine [verse 15. p. 89] 
boldly on the floor of Congress, and held the same opinion until his death. 

6. Robert Y. Hayne was one of the ablest of southern statesmen. The debate between Hayne and 
Webster, in the Senate of the United States, is regarded as one of the most eminent, for sagacity and elo- 
quence, that ever marked the proceedings of that body. 

7. Henry Clay was born in Virginia, in 1775. He became a lawyer at Richmond, and at the age of 
twenty-one, lie established himself in his profession at Lexington, Ky. He first appeared in Congress, 
as Senator, in 1803, and from that period his life was chiefly devoted to the public service. He died at 
Washington citv, while U. S. Senator, in 1852. 

8. Verse 6, p. 285. 



QueMions. — 6. What caused discontents in the South ? What did they lead to ? ". What did the Pres- 
ident do? What efifect did his proclamation have ? What measure allayed the excitement? 



Jackson's administeation. 



289 



8. In his annual message to Congress in December, 1832, Jackson recom- 
mended the removal of the public funds from the custody of the Bank of the 
United States.' Congress, by a decided vote, refused to authorize the measure; 
but after its adjournment, the President assumed the responsibility of the act' 
and directed the Secretary of the Treasury to withdraw the government funds 
(then almost $10,000,000), and deposit them in certain State Banks. The sec- 
retary refused compliance, and was dismissed from office. His successor obeyed 
the president ;'2 and in October, 1833, the act was accomplished. Tlie effect pro- 
duced was sudden and wide-spread commercial distress. The business of the 
country was plunged from the heiglit of prosperity to the depths of adversity, 
because its intimate connection with the National Bank, rendered any par- 
alysis of the operations of that institution, fatal to commercial activity. This 
fact confirmed the President in his opinion of the danger of such an enormous 
moneyed institution. 

9. Intense excitement now prevailed throughout the country, yet the presi- 
dent, supported by the House of Representatives, persevered and triumphed. 
The State deposite banks loaned freely, confidence vvvis gradually restored, and 
apparent general prosperity^ returned. Now, after the lapse of twentj'- years, tho 
wisdom and forecaste of general Jackson, evinced by his hostility to, and dis- 
trust of, the United States Bank, appears to be universally acknowledged. The 
necessity for such an institution is no longer admitted, and its dangerous power, if 
wickedly exercised, may be plainly seen. 

10. Toward the close of 1835, the Semi- 
nole Indians, guided by their head sachem, 
Micanopy, and led by their principal chieij 
Osceola,^ commenced a distressing warfare 
upon the frontier setlements of Florida. 
The cause of the outbreak was an attempt 
to remove them to the wilderness beyond the 
Mississippi.'^ It was a sanguinary war, and 
almost four years elapsed before it was 
wholh" terminated. Osceola, with all the cun- 
ning of a Tecumseh,^ and the heroism of a 
Philip,^ was so successful in stratagem, and 
brave in conflict, that he baffled the skill 
and courage of the United States troops, 
for a long time. He had agreed to fulfill 




1. By the law of 1S16, for chaiterinff the bank, the funds of the United States were to be deposited 
■with that inslitulion, and to be withdrawn only by the Secretary of the Treasury. 

2. The dismissed Secretary was William J. Duane : the newly-appoiuted one was Roger B. Taney, 
now [1854] Chief-Justice of the United States. 

3. Verse 2, p. 292. 4. Note 5, p. 293. 

5. In his annual message in December, 1830, President Jackson recommended the devotion of a large 
tract of land west of the Mississippi, to the use of the Indian tribes yet remaining east of that stream, 
forever. Coneress passed laws in acordance with the proposition, and the work of removal commenced, 
first by the ChicJcasaws and the Choctaws. We have seen that trouble ensued with the Crefiks and 
Oherokees [verse 4, p.2Sl, and verse3. p. 2811. and tbj Seminole^ in East Florida were not disposed to 
leave their ancient domain. Some of the chiefs in council made a treaty in May, 1832, and agreed to re- 
move; but other chiefs, and the great body of the nation, did not acknowledge the treaty as bmding. In 
ia34, the president sent general Wiley Thompson, to Florida, to prepare for a forcible removal of the 
Seminoles, if necessary. The tone and manner assumed by Osceola, displeased Thompson, and he pi't 
him in irons and in prison for a day. The ino-id chief feigned penitence, and was released. Then h;3 
wounded pride called for revenge, and fearfully he pursued it, as recorded in the next verse. 

6. Verse 5, p. 260. 7- Verse 22, p. 92. 



Questions.— ^. What can vou tell of Jackson's course toward the United States Bank ? What were 
the elTects of his measures? " 9. How was the President and geneal business sustained? How are his 
measures now regarded? 10. What war commenced in 1835? What can you tell of earlier events of 
the war? 

13 



290 



THE CONFEDERATION. 



Ft. Mi canopy^ 



IBlockHou3E .„ci. Ft. Russell* 




Ft. K'nc^^ 

^■M ^— ^ n7.'/«4.\Fir.-Mc£iuflE 
^',\ Ft.CrosstS %^^ 



treaty stipulations' in December [1835], but instead of compliance, he was then 
at the head of a war party, murdermg the unsuspecting inhabitants on the bor- 
ders of the everglade haunts of the savages. 

11. General Clinch was stationed at Fort 
Drane,2 in the interior of Florida, at this time, 
and major Dade was despatched from Fort 
Brooke, at the head of Tampa Bay, with more 
than a hundred men, for his relief That 
young commander,^ and all but four of his de- 
tachment were massacred [Dec. 28, 1835] near 
Wahoo swamp. ^ On the same day, and only 
a few hours before, Osceola, and a small war 
party, killed and scalped general Thompson, 
and five of his friends, who were dining at a 
store a few yards from Fort King.^ The as- 
sailants disappeared in the forest before the 
deed was known at the fort. Two days after- 
ward [Dec. 31] general Clinch and his troops 
had a battle with the Seminoles on the With- 
lacoochee; and in February [Feb. 29, 1836], 
general Gaines^ was assailed near the same place, ' and several of his men were 
killed. The battle-ground is about fifty miles from the mouth of the river. 

12. In May, 1836, the Greeks aided their brethren in Florida, by attacking 
the settlers within their domain. Success made them bold, and they attacked 
mail-carriers, stages, steamboats, and finally villages, in Georgia and Alabama, 
until thousands of white people were fleeing for their lives from place to place, 
before the savages. General Scott was now in chief command in the South, and 
he prosecuted the war with vigor. The Creeks were finally subdued, and 
during the Summer, several thousands of them were removed to their designated 
homes beyond the Mississippi. 

13. Governor Call, of Georgia, marched against the Seminoles with almost 
two thousand men, in October, 1836. A detachment of upwards of five hun- 
dred of these, had a severe contest [Nov. 21] with the Indians at Wahoo 
swamp, near the scene of Dade's massacre, yet, like all other engagements with 
the savages in their swampy fastnesses, neither party could claim a positive 
victory. 8 



SEAT OF SEMI.^OLE W.<!i. 



1. Osceola had promised general Thompson that the delivery of certain cattle and horses belonging to 
the Indians, should be made during the first fortnight of December. 1835. and so certain was Thompson 
of the fulfilment of this stipulation, that he advertised the animals for sale. 

2. About forty miles north-east from the mouth of the Withlacoochee river, and eight south-west from 
Orange Lake. 

3. Francis L. Dade was a native of Virginia. After the war of 1812-'15, he was retained in the army, 
having risen from third lieutenant to major. A neat monument has been erected to the memory of him- 
self and companions in death, at West Point, on the Hudson. 

4. Near the upper waters of the Withlacoochee, about fifty miles north from Fort Brooke. Three of 
the four survivors soon died of their wounds, and he who lived to tell the fearful narrative (Ransom 
Clarke), afterward died from the effects of his injuries on that day. 

5. On the southern borders of .-Vlachiia county, about sixty miles south-west from St. Augustine. Os- 
ceola scalped [note 5, p. 101 general Thompson with his own hands, and thus enjoved his revenge for 
the indignity he had suffered. [Note 5, p. 289.] 

6. Verse 5, p. 273. Edmuni P. (iaines was born in Virginia in 1777, and entered the army in 1799. He 
was breveted a major-general in 1814, and presented, bv Congress, with a gold medal for his gallantry at 
Fort Erie. He died in 1849. 

7. South side of the river, in Dade county. Gaines's on the north side, in Alachua county. 

8. In this warfare, the American troops suffered dreadfuUv from the poisonous vapors of the swamps, 
the bites of venomous serpents, and the stings of insects. The Indians were inaccessible in their homes 
amid the morasses, for the white people could not follow them. 



Qaextion!!.—U.. What can you tell of the massacre of United States troops at two places ? What battles 
occurred soon afterward? 12. What did the Indians do during 1836? What of their subjugation? 
IS. What took place in the Autumn of 1836 ? 



VAN buren's administration. 



291 



14, President Jackson's second oflQcial term was now drawing to a close. 
Energy had marked every step of his career as chief magistrate, and at the close 
of his administration, the nation stood higher in the esteem of the world, than 
it had ever done before.' Two new States (Arkansas [June 15, 18:56], and 
Michigan [Jan. 25, 1837]), had been added to the Union. The original tlur- 
teen had doubled, and great activity prevailed in every part of the Republic. 
In November, 1836, Martin Yan Buren, of New York, was elected to succeed 
Jackson in the presidential chair. The people having failed to elect a viccr 
president, the Senate chose Richard M. 
Johnson, of Kentucky, to fill that station. 

15 The last ofl&cial act of president Jack' 
son, produced much excitement and bitter 
feelings toward him, A circular was is- 
sued from the Treasury department on the 
11th of July, 1836, requiring all collectors 
of the public revenue to receive nothing 
but gold and silver in payment. This was 
intended to check speculations in the pub- 
lic lands, but it also bore heavily upon 
every kind of business. The "specie cir- 
cular " was denounced; and so loud was the 
clamor, that toward the close of the session 
in 1837, both houses of Congress adopted a 
partial repeal of it. Jackson refused to 
sign the bill, and by keeping it in his pos- 
session until after the adjournment of Con- 
gress, prevented it becoming a law. Jack- 
son now retired from public life, to enjoy that 
repose which an exceedingly active career 
entitled him to. 



^ 1 1 ♦ t-*--^*- 



SECTION X. 

VAN buren's administration. 
[1837—1841.] 

1. When Mr. Yan Buren^ entered the 
presidential mansion as its occupant, on 




VA>' BUREN, A-VD HIS RESIDENCE. 



1. At the close of Jackson's first term, our foreigrn relations were very satisfactory, except with 
France. That government had agreed to pay abont $5,000,000, by instalments, as inrtemnincation lor 
French spoliations on American commerce, under the operation of the several decrees of Napoleon, from 
1S06 to 1811. The French government did not promptly comply with the agreement, and the I resident 
assumed a hostile tone, which caused France to perform her duty. Similar claims against Portugal 
were made, and payment obtained. A treaty of reciprocity was made with Russia and Belgium, and 
everywhere the American flag commanded the highest respect. „ ■. j.. e 

2. Martin Van Buren was born at Kinderhook, New York, in December, 17?3. He chose the profess- 
ion of law. In 1815, he became attorney-general of his native State, and in l.«2S was elected governor 
of the same, having served the country in the Senate of the United States. He w.as appointed minis er 
to England in 18,^1. Since his retirement from the presidency in 1841, Mr. Van Bnren has spent a greater 
portion of his time on his estate in his native town. He went to Europe .it the chise of 18,5.^, the tirst oi 
the chief magistrates of the Republic to visit the old world after their term of office had expired. 



Ouestion!s.—\i. What can vou say of President Jackson's administration, and the position of the Re- 
puT5lic ? What was the result of a Presidential election in 183fi ? 15. What was .TiJ<:>^so:i s last official 
act? What can you tell of the " Specie Circular "? What did Congress do? 1. ^Vhat was the condi- 
tion of the country when Van Buren was inaugurated f 



292 THE CONFEDERATION^ 

the 4th of March, IBS'?;' the business of the country was on the verge of a ter- 
rible convulsion and utter prostration. The distressing effects of the removal of 
the public funds [Oct. 1833] from the United States Bauk,^ and the opera- 
tions of the " specie circular"-* had disappeared, in a measure, but as the reme- 
dy for the evil was superficial, the cure was only apparent. 

' 2. The chief remedy had been the free loaning of the public money to in- 
dividuals by the State deposite banks ;^ but a commercial disease was thus pro- 
duced more disastrous than the panic of 1833-34. A sudden expansion of 
the paper currency was the result ; and the consequence of such multiplied 
facilities for obtaining bank loans were an immensely increased importation of 
foreign goods, inordinate stimulation of all industrial pursuits and internal im- 
provements, and the operations of a spirit of speculation, especially in real es- 
tate, which assumed the features of a mania, in 1836. A hundred cities were 
founded, and a thousand villages were "laid out" on broad sheets of paper, 
and made the basis of vast money transactions. Borrowed capital was thus di- 
verted from its sober legitimate uses, to the fostering of schemes as unstable 
as water, and as unreal in their fancied results as dreams of fairy-land. 

3. Overtrading and speculation, relying for support upon continued bank 
loans, was suddenly checked by bank contractions early in 1837, and during 
March and April of that year, there were mercantile failures in the city of New 
Tork alone, to the amount of more than a hundred millions of dollars.5 The 
effects of these failures were felt to the remotest borders of the Union, and 
credit and confidence were destroyed. 

4. Early in May, 1837, a deputation from the merchants and bankers of New 
York, waited upon the president, and solicited him to defer the collection of du- 
ties on imported goods; rescind the "specie circular;" and to call an extraor- 
dinary session of Congress to adopt relief measures. He acceded to the first re- 
quest, only. When his determination was known, all the banks in New York 
suspended specie payments, and their example was speedily followed through- 
out the country. The measure embarrassed the general government, and it was 
unable to obtain gold and silver to discharge its own obligations. The public 
good now demanded legislative relief, and an extraordinary session of Congress 
was convened on the 4th of September. During a session of forty -two days, it 
did little for the general relief, except the passage of a bill authorizing the issue 
of treasury notes, not to exceed in amount, ten milhons of dollars.^ 

5. The Seminoles' still continued hostile.^ After severe encounters with the 

1. He appointed John Forsyth, Secretary of State ; Levi Woodbury. Fecretfiry of IheTrcaFiiry ; Joel 
R. Poinsett, Secretary of War ; Mahlon Dickinson, Secreiaiy of the Navy ; j'lmos KeiKlall, Pos-t Mnt;- 
ter-general ; and Benjamin F. Butler, Attorney-General. All of them, except Mr. Poinset, held their ic- 
spective offices under President Jackson. 

2. Verse 8, p. 289. 3. Verse 15, p. 291. 

4. The State banks which accepted these deposites, supposed they wonld remain undisturbed until the 
government should need them for its use. Considering Ihem as so much capital, they loaned their own 
funds freely. But in January, 18S6, Congress authorized the Secretary of the Treasury to distribute nil 
the public funds, except $5,000,000, among the several States, according to their representation. The 
funds were accordingly taken from the deposite banks, after the 1st of January, 1837, and these banks 
being obliged to curtail their loans, a serious pecuniary embarrassment was prr duced. 

5. Fifteen months before [Dec. 18.35] property to the amount of more than $20,000,000 had been de- 
stroyed by lire in the citv of New York, when five hundred and twenty-nine buildings were consumed. 

6. In his message to Congress at this session, the president proposed the establishment of an indeperd- 
ent treasury for the safe keeping of the public funds, and their entire r.r.d total separation from bank- 
ing institutions. This scheme met with vehement opposition. The bill passed the Senate, but was lost 
in the House. It was debated at subsequent sessions, and finally became a law on the 4th of July, 
1340. It is known as The Sub Treasury Scheme. 

7. Verse 3, p. 21. 8. Verse 10, p. 289. 



Questinna — 2. What remedy had been used and how did it work ? What did land speculation do ? 3. 
What caused business failures? and to what extent? 4. What was the President asked to do? Whnt 
was done? What caused an extra session of Congress? What did Congress do? 5. What can you tell 
of the Seminole Indians ? What can you tell of Osceola ? How did his death affect his people ? 



VAN BUREN's ADlvflNISTRATION. 293 

United States troops, several chiefs appeared in the camp of general Jesup' (who 
was then in supreme command) at Fort Dade,-2 and signed [March G, 1837] a 
treaty which guarantied immediate peace and tlie instant departure of the 
Indians to their new home bej^ond the Mississippi. But the lull was tempora- 
ry. The restless Osceola'^ caused the treaty to be broken ; and during the Sum- 
mer of 1837, many more soldiers perished in the swamps while pursuing the 
Indians. At length Osceola, with several chiefs and seventy warriors, appeared 
[Oct. 21] in Jesup's camp under the protection of a flag. They were seized aud 
confined ;^ and soon afterward Osceola was sent to Charleston, where he died 
of a fever, while immured in Fort Moultrie.^ This was the hardest blow yet 
dealt upon the Seminoles ; but they continued to resist, notwithstanding almost 
nine thousand United States troops were in their territory at the close o!" 1837. 

6. A large body of Indians suffered a severe repulse [Dec. 25] on the north- 
ern border of Macaco Lake,s from six hundred troops under colonel Taylor.^ 
That officer succeeded Jesup, and for more than two years afterward, endured 
every privation in efforts to bring the war to a close. In May, 1839, a treaty 
was made which appeared to terminate the war; but murder and robberiofe con- 
tinued, and it Avas not until 1842 that peace was finally secured. This war, 
which lasted seven years, cost the United States many valuable lives, and mill- 
ions of treasure. 

7. The peaceful relations between the United States and Great Britain, were 
someW"hat disturbed by a revolutionary movement which commenced in Canada 
in 1837, and at one time seemed to promise a separation of that territory from 
the British crown.^ The movement was esteemed a patriotic effort to secure 
independence, and enlisted the warmest sympathies of the Americans in the 
North. Banded companies and individuals joined the "rebels;"^ and so gene- 
ral became this active sympathy on the northern frontier, that peace between 
the two governments was jeoparded. President Tyler finally issued [Sept. 25, 
1841] an admonitory proclamation,'-" which prevented further aggressive move- 
ments, and quiet was restored. 

1. Thomas S. Jesup was born in Virginia, in 1788. He was a brave and useful officer during the war 
of 1812-'15, and was retained in the army. He was breveted majoi-general in 1828, and was succeeded 
in command in Florida by colonel Zachary Taylor [verse 4, p. 290J in 1838. He is now [1854] a resident 
of Washington city. 

2. On the head waters of the Withlachoochee, about forty miles north-east from Fort Brooke at the 
head of Tampa Bay. See map on p. 290. 

3. Verse 10, p. 289. 

4. (leneral Jesup was much censured for this breach of faith and the rules of honorable warfare. His 
excuse was the known treachery of Osceola, and a desire to put an end to bloodshed by whaiever means 
he might be able to employ. 

5. On Sullivan's Island, upon the site of Fort Sullivan of the Revolution [verse 8, p. 186]. Near the 
entrance gate to the Fort is a small monument erected to the memory of Osceola. 

6 Sometimes called Big Water I^ake. The Indian name is O-ke-cho-bee, and by that name the bat- 
tle IS known. 

7. .A.fferward general Taylor and President of the United States. See p. .SIO. 

8. Both Upper and Lower Canada exhibited revolutionary movements. The principal leader of the 
revolt in Upper Canada was William TiVon Mackenzie ; the prime mover in the Lower Province, was 
Louis Joseph Papineau. The movements of the Revolutionary party were well planned, but local jeal- 
ousies prevented unity of action, and the scheme failed. 

9. A party of Americans took possession of Navy Island, situated in the Niagara river, about two miles 
above tlie Falls, and belonging to Canada. They numbered seven hundred strong, well provisioned and 
provided with twenty pieces of cannon. They had a small steamboat named Caroline, to ply between 
Schlosser, on the American side, and Navy Island. On a dark night in December, 18;^", a party of roy- 
alists from the Canada shore crossed over, cut the CaroKne\oose, set her on fire, and she went over the 
great cataract while in full blaze. 

10. In 1838, general Scott was sent to the frontier 1o preserve order, and was assisted by proclamations 
by the President and also the governor of New York. Yet secret revolutionary associations called 
" Hunter's Lodges," continued for two or three years. Against these, president Tyler's proclamation 
here referred to, was specially directed. 



Questions.— &. What more of the Semj«o/e War ? What of its termination ? 7. What new movement 
of importance commenced in 1837 ? How was it esteemed? What can you tell of the sympathy of the 
people of the United States ? 



29-i 



THE CONFEDERATION, 



8. "WTiile this excitement was at its height, long disputes concerning the 
boundary between the State of Maine and the British province of New Bruns- 
wick, ripened into armed preparations for settling the matter, by combat. This, 
too, threatened danger to the peaceful relations between the two governments. 
The president sent general Scott to the theater of the dispute, in the Winter of 
1S39. and by his wise and conciliatory measures, he prevented bloodshed, and 

produced quiet. T^e whole matter was 
finally settled, by treaty, on the 20th of 
August. 1842.^ 

9. Mr. Yan Buren was nominated for re- 
election in 1840. He was opposed by "Wil- 
liam Henry Harrrison of Ohio, the popular 
leader in the North-west in the war of 
1812.2 Never, before, was the country so ex- 
cited by an election, and never before was 
a presidential contest characterized by such 
demoralizing proceedings. The govern- 
ment, under Mr. Yan Buren, being held re- 
sponsible by the opposition for the business 
depression which yet brooded over the 
country, public speakers arrayed vast mass- 
es of the people against the president, and 
general Harrison was elected by an over- 
whelming majority, with John Tyler of Yir- 
gnia, as vice-president. And now, at the 
close of the first fifty years of the Repub- 
lic, the population had increased from three 
and a half millions of all colors, to seventeen 
millions. 




SECTION XL 



HARRISONS AND TYLERS ADMINISTRATION. 



[1841—1845]. 



to. 



0^ m:^ 



HARRISOX, AND HIS RESIDENCE. 



1. The dawn of Harrison's administra- 
tion gave omens of a brighter day for the 
country ; and when his inaugural address 
went over the land, and the wisdom of his 
choice of cabinet counsellors^ was known, prosperity was half restored, for con- 
fidence was re-enthroned in the commercial world. But aU the hopes which 
centered in the new president were soon extinguished, and the anthems of the 
inaugural day were speedily changed to solemn requiems. Precisely one 



1. This was negotiated at Washington city by Daniel Webster for the United States, and Lord Ashbnr- 
ton (special minister) for Great Biitain. Besides settling the boundary question, this agreement, known 
as the Ashburton Treaty, provided for the final suppression of the slave-trade, and for the giving up of 
criminal fugitives from justice, in certain cases. 

2. Verse 6. p. 260. 

3. Daniel Webster. Secretary of State ; Thomas Ewing, Secretary of the Treasury ; John Bell, Secre- 
tary of War ; George E. Badgei , Secretary of the Navy ; Francis Granger, Postmaster General ; and 
J. J. Crittenden, Attorney-General. 



QueMions. — 8. What boundary dispute arose ? How was it settled ? 9. What can you tell of the pres- 
idential election in 1840 ? 'What of the population ? 1. What can you tell of president Harrison and Lis 
administration ? 



VAN BUREN S ADMINISTRATION. 



295 



month after he uttered his oath of oflBce 
.before chief justice Taney, on the eastern 
portico of the capital, tlie new President 
died [April 4, 1841] at the age of sixty- 
eight years/ 

2. The only official act of general import- 
ance performed by president Harrison dur- 
ing his brief administration, was the issu- 
ing of a proclamation on the 17 th of March, 
calling an extraordinary session of Congress, 
to commence at the close of the following 
May, to legislate upon the subjects of linance 
and revenue. 

3. According to the provisions of the Con- 
stitution, the vice-president became the 
official successor of the deceased President; 
and on the 6th of April the oath of office 
was administered to 

JOHN TYLER. 

He retained the cabinet appointed by pres- 
ident Harrison until September following, 
when all but the Secretary of State re- 
signed.2 

4. The extra session of Congress called by 
president Harrison, commenced on the ap- 
pointed day [May 31, 1841] and continued 
until the 13th of September following. The 
Sub-treasury act^ was repealed ; a gene- 
ral Bankrupt law^ was enacted; but the 
cluef o'ujeci sought to be obtained dur- 
ing this session, namely, the chartering of 
a Bank of the United States, was not 




TTLKE, AND HIS RESIDENCE. 



1. William Henry Harrison was born in Charles City county, Va., in February 1773. His father was 
a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Young Harrison prepared to be a physican, but entered 
the army as ensign in the United States artillery, in 1791. He was afterward appointed governor of 
Indiana Territory, and was very active during the war of 1812. At its close he retired to his farm on 
the banks of the Ohio. He served in the national council, and was finally raised to the highest post of 
honor in the nation. His last disease was pneumonia, or bilious pleurisy, which terminated bis life in 
a few days. 

2. He then appointed Walter Forward, Secretary of the Treasury ; John C. Spencer, Secretary of 
War ; Abel P. Upshur, Secretary of the Navy ; Charles A. Wicklitfc, Postmaster General ; and Hugh 
S. Legare, Attorney-General. Mr. Tyler had tlie misfortune to lose three of bis cabinet officers, by 
death, in the course of a few months. Mr. Legare accompanied the president to Boston on the occasion 
of celebrating the completion of the Bunker Hill monument [map, p. 176] in June, 1843, ar.d died there. 
On the 28th of February following, the bursting of a gun on board the steamship Princeton, while on an 
excursion on the Potomac, killed Mr. Upshur, then Secretary of State, Mr. Gilmer, Secretary of tho 
Navy, and several other distinguished gentlemen. The president and many ladies were on board. 
Among the killed was Mr. Gardiner, of the Slate of New York, whose daughter the president soon after- 
ward married. 

3. Note 6, p. 292. 

4. This humane law accomplished a material benefit. Thousands of honest and enterprising men had 
been crushed by the recent business revulsion, and were so laden with debt as to be hopelessly chained 
to a narrow sphere of action. The law relieved them ; atid while it bore thus heavily upon the creditor 
class, for a while, its operations were beneflcieut and useful. When dishonest men began to make it a 
pretense for cheating, it was repealed. 



Question.'<.—2. What was his chief official act? 3. Wlint can you tell of a successor in office? 4. 
What was done by the extra ses.-cion of Congress? What important act was passed? What did the 
president do? and what was the result? 



296 



THE CONFEDERATION. 




DANIEL VTEBSTER. 



achieved. Two separate bills' for that pur- 
pose were vetoed^ by the president, who, 
like Jackson, thought he perceived great 
evils to be apprehended from the workings 
of such an institution. The course of the 
president was vehemently censured by the 
party in power, and the last veto led to the 
dissolution of his cabinet. Mr. Webster^ 
patriotically remained at his post, for great 
public interests would have sufiered by his 
withdrawal, at that time. 

5. The second year [1842] of Mr. Tyler's 
administration was distinguished by the re- 
turn of the U. S. Exploring Expedition ;* 
the settlement of the North-eastern boun- 
ary question ;5 essential modifications of 
the tariff; and domestic difficulties in 
Rhode Island. By the compromise act of 
1832,6 duties on foreign goods were to reach the minimum of reduction, at the 
close of 18-4:2, when the taritf would only provide revenue, not protection to 
manufactures, like that of 1828.7 Q^j^e latter object appeared desirable ; and 
by an act passed on the 29th of June, 1842, high duties were imposed on 
many foreign articles. The president vetoed it, but another tarilf bill, less ob- 
jectionable, received his assent on the 9 th of August. 

6. The Rhode Island difficulties originated in a movement to adopt a State 
constitution of government, and to abandon the old charter given by Charles 
the Second^ L^^^^J, under which the people had been ruled for one hundred and 
eighty years. Disputes arose concerning the proper method to be pursued in 
making the change, and these assumed a serious aspect. Two parties were 
formed, known respectively as the "suffrage " or radical party ; the other as the 
"law and order," or conservative party. Each formed a constitution, elected a 
governor and legislature,^ and finally armed [May and June, 1843] in defence 
of their respective claims. The State was on the verge of civil war, and the 
aid of Federal troops had to be invoked, to restore quiet and order. A free 
constitution, adopted b\^ the "law and order" party in November, 1842, to go 
into operation on the first Tuesday in May, 1843, was sustained and became 
the law of the land. 



1. One was passed on the 16th of August, 1841 ; the other, modified so as to meet the President's objec- 
tious it was believed, passed September 9th. 

2. Note 10, p. 287. 

3. Daniel Webster was born in Salisbury, New Hampshire, in 1782 He was admitted to the bar in 
Boston, in 1805. He commenced his political career in Congress, in 181.3. He was in public employment 
a greater portion of the remainder of his life, and was the most distinguished statesman, of his time. He 
died at Marshfield, Massachusetts, in October 1852. 

4. This expedition, commanded by Lieutenant Wilkes, of the United States navy, had been sent, several 
years before, to explore the great southern ocean. It coasted along what is supposed to be an Antartic 
continent, for seventeen hundred miles in the vicinity of latitude66 degrees south, and between longitude 
93 and 154 degrees east. The expedition brought home a great many curiosities of island human life, and 
a large number of fine specimens of Natural History, all of which are now [1854] in the Patent Office 
building in Washington city. The expedition made a voyage of about ninety thousand miles, equal to 
almost four times the circumference of the globe. 

5. Verse 8, p. 294. 6. Verse 7, p. 288. 7. Verse 6, p, 285. 8. Verse 2, p. 118. 
9. The "suffrage" party elected Thomas W. Dorr, governor, and the "law and order" parly chose 

Samuel W. King for chief magistrate. Dorr was finally arrested, tried for and convicted of treason, 
and sentenced to imprisonment for life. The excitement having passed away, in a measure, he was re- 
leased in June, 1845, but was deprived of all the civil rights of a citizen. These disabilities were removed 
in the Autumn of 1853. 



Qiip!itions.—5. What distinguished the second vear of Tvler's administration? What of tariff bills? 
G. What can you teU of difficulties in Rhode Island ? What was their progress and the results ? 



folk's administration. 297 

•7. The country was much agitated during the last year of ilr. Tyler's ad- 
ministration by discussions concerning the proposed admission of the independ- 
ent republic of Texas, on our south-west frontier, as a State of the Union. 
The proposition was warmly opposed at the North, because the annexation 
would increase the area and political strength of slavery, and lead to a war with 
Mexico. I A treaty for admission, signed at Washington on the 12th of April, 
18J:4, was rejected by the Senate [June 8]; but to the next Congress, the prop- 
osition was presented in the form of a joint resolution, and received the con- 
currence of both Houses on the 1st of March, 1845, and the assent of the presi- 
dent on the same day. 

8. The subject of the annexation of Texas had an important bearing upon 
the presidential election in 1 844. It became more and more popular with the 
people throughout the Union, and James K, Polk, of Tennessee, who was 
pledged in favor of the measure, was elected president [Nov. 1844]. and George 
M. Dallas, of Pennsylvania, vice-president. The opposing candidates were 
Henry Clay and Theodore Frehnghuysen. The last important ofiScial act of 
president Tyler- was the signing [March 3, 1845] of the bill for the admission 
of Florida and Iowa into the Union of States. 



SECTION XII. 

folk's admix istratiox. [1845 — 1849.] 

1. The largest concourse of people ever before assembled at "Washington city, 
witnessed the inauguration of Mr. Polk^ on the 4th of March, 1845. His address 
on that occasion clearly indicated that energetic policy which distinguished 
his administration. On the day after his inauguration, he nominated his cabinet 
officers, ^ and the Senate immediately confirmed them. 

1. Texas was a part of the domain of that ancient Mexico, conquered by Cortcz [verse 23, p. 31]. la 
1S24, Mexico became a republic under generals Victoria and Saula Anna, and was divided into States 
united by a Federal Consiitulioi;. One of these was Te-xas, a territory which was originally claimed by 
the IJnited States as a part of Louisiana, purchased [verse 2, p. 253] from France in 1803, but ceded to 
Spain in 1820. In 1821-'2, a colony from the United States, under Stephen F. Austin, made a settlement 
between the Brazos and Colorado rivers ; and the Spanish government favoring immigration thither 
caused a rapid increase in the population. There were ten thousand Americans in that province, in 1833. 
Santa Anna became military dictator, and the people of Texas, unwilling to submit to his arbitary 
rule, rebelled. A war ensued, and on the 2d of March, 1836, a convention declared Texas independent. 
Much blood-shed occurred afterward, but a final battle at San Jacinto, in which the Texans 
were led by general Houston, one of the present [1854] United States Senators from Texas, vindicated 
the position the people had taken, and terminated the strife. Texas remained an independent republic 
until its admission into our Federal Union in 1845. 

2. John Tyler was born in Charles City county, Virginia, in March, 1790. He was admitted to col- 
lege studies at the age of twelve years ; to the bar, as a lawyer, at the age of nineteen ; and was elected a 
member of the Virginia legislature when only twenty-one years of age. He was a member of Congress 
at the age of twenty-six. He was made governor of Virginia in 1825, and afterward represented his 
State in Congress. Since his retirement from the Presidency he has resided upon his estate, near Charles 
City Court House, in Charles City countv, Virginia. 

3. James K. Polk was born in Mecklenburg county, Xorth Carolina, in 1795. While he was a child, 
his father settled in Tennessee ; and the first appearance of young Polk in pub'ic life, was as a member 
of the Tennessee legislature, in 1823. Two vears afterward, "he was elected to Congress, and was almost 
continually there until elected President of the United States. He died at his residence, near Knox- 
ville, Tennessee, in June, 1849. 

4. James Buchanan, Secretary of State ; Robert J. Walker, Secretary of the Treasury : William L. 
Marcy, Secretary of War ; George Bancroft, Secretary of the Navy ; Cave Johnson, Postmaster-Gen- 
eral ; and John Y. Mason, Attorney-General. 



Questions. — 7. What agitated the country toward the close of Tyler's administration? Why was the 
n-lmission of Texas opposed? What was "finally done? 8. What aided in the election of Mr. Polkr 
What candidates were in the field? and what was the result? 1. What can you tell of Polk's inaugu- 
ration ? 

13* 



298 



THE CONFEDERATION". 



2. The most important topics which 
claimed the attention of the administration, 
were the annexation of Texas, and the 
claims of Great Britain to a large portion of 
the vast territory of Oregon, on the Pacific 
coast.' The former demanded and received 
the earliest consideration. On the last day 
of his official term, president Tyler had sent 
a messenger to the Texan Government, 
with a copy of the joint resolutions of the 
American Congress,'- in favor of annexation. 
These were considered by the Texan Con- 
gress, and approved on the 4th of July, 
1845. On that day Texas became one of 
the States of our Confederation. 

3. This act, as had been predicted, caused 
an immediate rupture between the govern- 
ments of the United States and Mexico ;3 
for the latter claimed Texas as a part of its 
territory,^ notwithstanding its independence 
had been acknowledged by the United 
States, England, France, and otlier govern- 
ments. There already existed a cause for 
serious disputes betwen the United States 
and Mexico.' Ever since the estabhshment 
of republican government [1824] by the 
latter, it had been an unjust and injurious 
neighbor. Injpoverished by civil wars, its 
authorities did not hesitate to replenish its 
Treasury by plundering American vessels in 
the Gulf of Mexico, or by confiscating the 
property of American merchants within its 
borders. The United States government 
remonstrated in vain, until, in 1831, a treaty 

was formed, and promises of redress were made. But aggressions continued ; 
and in 1840, the aggregate amount of American property which had been 
appropriated by Mexicans, was more than six millions of dollars. The claim 
for this amount remained unsettled, ^ when the annexation of Texas occurred 
[July 4, 1845], and peaceful relations between the two governments were sus- 
pended. 




POLK, AND HIS RESIDEJfCE. 



1. This vast territory, between the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific, had been, for some time, a sub- 
ject of dispute between the United States and Great Britain. In 1818, it was mutually agreed, that 
each nation should equally enjoy the privileges of all the bays and harbors on that coast, for ten years. 
This agreement was renewed in 1827 for an indefinite time, with the stipulation, that eiiher party might 
rescind it by giving the other party twelve months' notice. Such notice was given by the United States 
in 1846, and the boundary was fixed. See verse 5, p. 299. 

2. Verse 7. p. 297- 

3 On the 6th of March, 1845, general Almonte, the Mexican Minister at Washington, formally pro- 
tested against the joint resolutions of Congress, and demanded his passports. 

4. General Herrera, president of Mexico, issued a proclamation, on the 4th of June, 1845, declaring the 
rights of Mexico, and his determination to defend them with arms. 

5. The Spaniards pronounce it May-hee-co. . 

6. Commissioners appointed by the two governments to adjust these claims, met in 1840. The Mex- 
ican commissioners acknowledged two millions of dollars, and no more. In 1843 the whole amount was 



Questions.— 2. What important subjects claimed Polk's early attention? What was done toward the 
annexation of Texas? 3. What effects followed annexation ? What causes for ill feeling between the 
United States and Mexico, existed ? What outrages had been committed ? 



folk's administration. 299 

4. Fully aware of the hostile feelings of the Mexicans, the president ordered 
[July] general Zachary Taylor,' then in command of troops in the South-west, to 
proceed to Texas, and take a position as near the Rio Grande,'^ as prudenoo 
would allow. This force, about fifteen hundred strong, was called the '' Army 
of Occupation," for the defence of Texas. At the same time, a strong squadron 
under commodore Conner, sailed for the Gulf of Mexico, to protect American in- 
terests there. General Taylor first landed [July 25, 1845] on St. Joseph's Island,^ 
and then embarked for Corpus Christi, a Mexican village beyond the Neuces. and 
near its mouth. There he formed a camp [Sept. 1845], and remained during the 
succeeding Autumn and Winter. 

5. While a storm of war was thus gathering in the south-west, the friendly 
relations between the governments of the United States and Great Britain were 
disturbed, by rival claims to Oregon.^ The former claiaied the whole territory' 
to 54 degrees 40 minutes north latitude, the right to which was disputed by the 
latter. The difficulty was finally settled by a treaty made at Washington city 
in June, 1846. The northern boundary of the United States was then fixed at 
49 degrees north latitude. A territorial government was organized in 1848. 
In March. 1853, Oregon was divided, and the northern portion was made a 
separate domain, by the title of Washington Territorv. 

6. Early in 1846 [Jan. 13], the Secretary of War ordered general Taylor to 
advance from Corpus Christi to near the mouth of the Rio Grande, opposite 
the Spanish city of Matamoras, because Mexican troops were then gathering in 
that direction, with the evident intention of invading Texas. This was disputed 
territory between Texas and the Mexican province of Tamaulipas ; and when ho 
encamped at Point Isabel [March 25], on the coast,^ general Taylor was warned 
by the Mexicans tliat he was upon foreign soil. Regardless of menaces, he left 
liis stores at Point Isabel, under major Monroe and four hundred and fifty men, 
and with the remainder of his army advanced [March 28, 1846] to the bank of 
the Rio Grande, where he established a fortified camp, and commenced the erec- 
tion of a fort. 

7. President Herrera's desire for peace with the United States made him un- 
popular, and the Mexican people elected general Paredes" to succeed him. 
That officer immediately despatched general Ampudia,^ with a large force, to 
Matamoras, to drive the Americans beyond the Neuces. Ampudia arrived on 
the 11th of April 1846, and the next day he sent a letter to general Taylor, de- 

aclcnowledgetl by Mexico, and the payment was to be made in twenty instalments of $30), 000 each. Only 
three of these instalments had been paid in 1845, and the Mexican government refused to decide whether 
the remainder should be settled c.r not. 

1. His actual rank on the army list was only that of colonel. He had been made a bripadier-greneral 
by brevet, for his goad conduct in the Florida War. A title by brevet is only honorary. Taylor held the 
title of brigadier general, but received only the pay of a colonel. 

2. (Jreat River. Also called liio Bravo (M Norte— Brave North River. 

3. There the flag of the United States was first displayed in power over Texas soil. 

4. Note 1, p. 298. 

5. Captain Gre.v, of Boston, entered the mouth of the Columbia river in 1792, and captains Lewis and 
Clarke explored that region, from the Rocky Mountains westward, in lS04-'5. In 1811, the late .T. J. 
Astor, established a trading station at the mouth of the Columbia river. The British doctrine, always 
practised by them, that the entrance of a vessel of a civilized nation, into the mouth of a river, gives 
title, by the right of discovery, to the territory watered by that river and its tributaries, clearly gave 
Oregon to 54 degrees 40 minutes, to the United States, for the discovery of Captain Grey, in 1792, was 
not disputed. 

6. About twenty-eight miles north from Matamoras. 

7. Pronounced Pa-ray-dhes. 

8. Pronounced Am-poo-dhee-ah. 



Qtiestiom. — i. What measures for the defence of Texas were adopted ? What did general Taylor do? 
5. What disturbed the friendly relations b^ween the United States and Great Britain? What claims 
were set up? and how was the dispute settled? What was done in Oregon? 6. What order was given 
by the Secretary of War earlv in 1S4G? What did Tavlor do? How did the Mexicans regard his move- 
ments? 7. What change took place in the Mexican government, and why? What hostile movements 
occurred ? 



300 THE CONFEDERATION^. 

manding: his withdrawal within tweuty-lbur hours. Taylor refused compliance, 
and coutinucd to strengthen his eanip. Ampudia hesitated ; and on tlie 2-4th 
he was succeeded in command by tlie more energetic Arista.' 

8. The situation of the '•Army of Occupation" was now becoming very crit- 
ical. Parties of armed Mexicans had got between Taylor and his stores at 
Point Isabel,- and had cut off all inter-conmiunication. Arista's army was 
hourly gatliering strength ; and already an American reconnoitring party, 
under captain Thornton,-^ had been killed or captured [April 24] on the Texas 
side of the Rio Grande. This was the lirst blood shed iu 

The '\^'ar with Mexico. 

9. Having nearly completed the fort opposite Matamoras, general Taylor now 
hastened [May 1], with his army, to the relief of Point Isabel, which was men- 
aced by a large Mexican force' collected in his rear. He left a regiment of in- 
fantry and two companies of artillery, under major Brown (in whose honor the 
fortiticatiou was named), to defend the fort, and reached Point Isabel the same 
day, without molestation. This departure produced great joy in Matamoras. for 
the Mexicans regarded it as a cowardly retreat. Preparations were imme- 
diately made to attack Fort Brown; and on the morning of the 3d of May 
[184:0], a battery. ' at Matamoras. opened a heavy cannonade and bombardment 
upon it, while quite a large body of troops crossed the river, to attack it on the 
rear. General Taylor had left orders that, in the event of an attack and aid 
lieing required, heavy signal-guns should be hred at the fort. For a long time 
the little garrison made a noble defence, and silenced tlie Mexican battery: but 
when, linally, the enemy gathered in strength in the rear, and commenced plant- 
ing cannons, and the heroic major Brown was mortally wounded.^ the signals 
were given [May 6], and Taylor prepared to march for the Rio Grande. " 

10. General Taylor left Point Isabel on the evening of the 7th. with a little more 
than two thousand men. having been reinforced by Texas volunteers, and mari- 
ners from the American tleet then blockading the mouth of the Rio Grande. At 
noon, the next day [May 8], they discovered a Mexican army, under Arista, full 
six thousand strong, drawn up in battle array upon a portion of a prairie 
flanked by ponds of water, and beautitied by trees, which gave it the name of 
Palo Alto. As soon as his men could take refreshments, Taylor formed his 
army, and pressed forward to the attack. For live hours a hot contest was 
maintained, when, at twilight, the Mexicans gave way and fled, and victory, 
thorough and complete, was with the Americans. It had been an afternoon of 
terrible excitement and fatigue, and when the firing ceased, the victors sank, ex- 

1. Pronounced Ab-rees-tnli. 

2. VoiseG. p. 299. 

3. CJeiioral Taylor had been informed that a body of Mexican troops vrere crossing: tbc Rio Grande 
above bis encampinent, and be sent captain Tbo:ntoii, with sixty drajroons, to reconnoitre. They we e 
surprised and captured. Sixteen Americans were killed, and captain Thornton escaped by an extraor- 
dinary leap of his horse. 

4. General Taylor was informed of this force of l.-'itX) Mexicans, by captain Walker, the celebrated 
Texas Ransjer. who had been employed by major Monroe to keep open a eommnnicaiion between 
Point Isabel and Taylor's oaiup. Walker had fought them with his single company, armed with re- 
volvi'ijr pistols, and after killing thirty, escaped, and with six of his men, reached Tavlor's camp. 

5. Note 5. p. 102. 

6. He lost a leg by the bursting of a bombshell [note 2, p. 216], and died on the 9th of May. He was 
born iu Massachusetts in 17^S ; wivs iu the war of 1S12 ; was promoted to major in IS43 ; and was fifty- 
eight years of age when he died. 



Qumtionx. — 8. What was the situation of Taylor's army f What can you tell of blood-shed? 9. VThat 
can you tell of Tavlor's movements near the Rio Grande > What prei>aratious against the Mexicans 
wcicmade? What did the Mexicans do Y What of the dofencc of Fo:t Urown? 10. What caused Tay- 
lor to leave Point Isabel ? What cau you tell of his march for Fort Browu * What cau you tell of a bat- 
tle that uusuedf 



folk's administration. 301 

hausted upon the ground. Thoy had lost, in killed and wounded, fifty-three, • 
the Mexicans lost about six hundred. 

11. The deep slumbers of the little army were broken at two o'clock the fol- 
lowing morning [May 9, 1846], by a summons to renew the march for Fort 
Brown. They saw no traces of the enemy until toward evening, when they 
discovered them strongly posted in a ravine, called Resaca de la Pahna,-' drawn 
up in battle order. A shorter, but bloodier contlict than that at Palo Alto, en- 
sued, and again the Americans were victorious. They lost, in killed and 
wounded, one hundred and teu ; the Mexican loss was at least one thousand. 
General La Vega^ and a hundred men were made prisoners, and eight pieces of 
canuon, three standards, and a quantity of military stores were captured. The 
Mexican army was completely broken up. Arista saved himself by solitary 
flight, and made his way alone across the Rio Grande. After suffering a bom- 
bardment for one hundred and sixty hours, the garrison at Fort Brown were re- 
lieved, and the terrified Mexicans were trembling for the safety of Ma tamoras. 

12. On the first intelligence of bloodshed,' and the critical situation of the 
little Army of Occupation, the whole country was aroused, and before the battles 
of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma [May 8, 9,] were known in the States, 
Congress had declared [May 11, 18-16] that " war existed by the act of Mexico;" 
authorized the president to raise fifty thousand volunteers, and appropriated ten 
millions of dollars [May 13] toward carrying on the contest. Within two days, 
the Secretary of War, and general Scott,' planned [May 15] a campaign, greater 
in the territorial extent of its proposed operations, than any recorded in history. 
A fleet was to sweep around Cape Horn, and attack the Pacific coast of Mexico ; 
an "Army of the West" was to gather at Fort Leavenworth,^ invade New Mex- 
ico, and co-operate with the Pacific fleet ; and an "Army of the Centre "' was to 
rendezvous in the heart of Texas,- to invade Old Mexico from the North. On 
the 23d of the same month [ISIay], the Mexican government made a formal dec- 
laration of war against the United States. 

13. While great rejoicings and illuminations were in progress in the United 
States, general Taylor was in Mexico, preparing for other brilliant victories.'^ 
He crossed the Rio Grande, drove the Mexican troops from Matamoras, and took 
possession of that town on the 18th of May. There he remained until the close 
of August, receiving orders from government and reinforcements, and preparing 
to march into the interior. 

14. The first division of his army, under general Worth,^ marched toward 



1. Among the fatallv wounded, was captain Page, a native of Maine, who died on the 12th of July 
followiiitr, at the :ip:e of forty-nine yeais. Also, major RiiifrKold, commander of Flying Artillery, who 
died at Point Isabel, four davs afterward, at the age of forty-six years. 

2. Pronounceil liay-sah-hah dai/ la Palmah, or dry river of palms. The ravine is supposed to be the 
bed of a dried up stream. The spot is on the northerlv side of the Rio Grande, about three miles from 
Matamoras. In this engagement, Taylor's force was about 1,700 ; Arista had been reinforced, and had 
about 7,0tX) men. ... , ■ j 

3. Liti/ Vai/ffoh. He was a brave oflScer, and was captured by captain May, who, with his dragoons, 
rushed forward in the face of a heavy fire from a battery, captured La Vega, killed or dispersed the gun- 
ners, and took possession of the cannons. 

4. The attack on captain Thornton and his party [note 3, p. 300], on the 24th of April. 

5. Verse 5, p. 273. . , ^ j r .u /^ » 
0. A United States post on the southern bank of the Missouri river, on the borders of the Great 

Plains. These plains extend to the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. 

7. At San Antonia de Be.xar, the center of Austin's settlement [note 1, p 281), between the Kio Col- 
orado and Rio Grande. , . . . , 

8. On the 30th of May he was rewarded for his skill and bravery by a commission as major-general, 

■^9. wriliam*^J."worth'was born iu Columbia county, New York, in 1794. Was a gallant soldier during 

Qup.<:tions.—U. What occurred the next mo;-ning ? Wliat can you tell of another battle and its results ? 
12 What caused excitement in the United States? What did Congress do? ^^ hat can you tell ot the 
plan of a campaign? 13. What was Taylor doing, while his cmintrymen at home were rejoicing? 
14 What movements were made toward the interior of Mexico ? What cau you tell of the siege of Men- 



302 THE CONFEDERATION. 

Monterey' on the 20tli of August. General Taylor, with the remainder (in all 
more than six thousand men), followed on the 3d of September ; and on the 9th, 
the whole army- encamped within three miles of the doomed city, then defended 
by general Ampudia,^ with more than nine thousand troops. It was a strong 
walled town, at the foot of the great Sierra Madre, well fortified by both nature 
and art, and presented a formidable obstacle in the march of the victor toward 
the interior. But having secured the Saltillo road,^ by which supplies for the 
Mexicans in Monterey were to be obtained, general Taylor commenced a siege 
on the 21st of September. The conflict continued almost four days, a part of the 
time within the streets of the city, where the carnage was dreadful. Ampudia 
surrendered the town and garrison on the fourth day^ [Sept. 24]. and leaving 
general Worth in command there, general Taylor encamped at Walnut Springs, 
three miles distant, and awaited further orders from his government.^ 

15. G-eneral Wool" had been commissioned to muster and prepare for service, 
the gathering armies of volunteers. He performed this duty so promptly, that 
by the middle of July, twelve thousand of them had been inspected, and mus- 
tered into service. Nine thousand of them were sent to the Rio Grande, to re- 
inforce general Taylor, and the remainder repaired to Bexar. ^ in Texas, where 
they were disciplined by general Wool, in person, preparatory to marching into 
the province of Chihuahua, ^ in the heart of Mexico. 

16. Wool went up the Rio Grande with about three thousand men, crossed 
the river at Presidio, and on the last day of October, reached Monclova, seventy 
miles north-west from Monterey. His kindness to the people won their confi- 
dence and esteem, and he was regarded as a friend. There he was informed of 
the capture of Monterey, "^ and guided by the advice of general Taylor, he aban- 
doned the project of penetrating Chihuahua, and marched to the fertile district 
of Parras, in Durango, where he obtained ample supplies for his own and Tay- 
lor's forces. 

17. By order of the United States government, the armistice of Monterey'^ 
ceased on the 13th of November. General Worth, with nine hundred men, took 
possession of Saltillo [Nov. 15, 1846], the capital of Coahuila.i- and general Ta}-- 
lor, leaving general Butler in command at Monterey, marched for Victoria, the 
capital of Tamaulipas, with the intention of attacking Tampico, on the coast. 

the war of 1812-'15 ; was retained in the army, and for his gallantry at Monterey, was made a major- 
general by brevet, and received the gift of a sword from Congress. He was of great service during the 
whole war with Mexico. He died in Texas in May, 1849. 

1. Pronounced Mon-tar-ray. It is the capital of New Leon. 

2. The principal officers with general Taylor, at this time, were generals Worth, Quitman, Twiggs, 
Butler, Henderson, and Hamer. 

3. Verse 7, p. 299. 

4. This road passed through the mountains along the San Juan river, and is the only communication 
between Monterey and the fei tile provinces of Coahuila and Durango. The command of tliis road was 
obtained after a severe contest with Mexican cavalry, on the 20th of Maj-, by a party imder general 
Worth. 

5. The Mexican soldiers were permitted to march out with the honors of war ; and, being short of pro- 
visions, and assured that Santa Anna, now at the head of the Mexicans, desired peace, general Taylor 
agreed to a cessation of hostilities for eight weeks, if permitted by his government. 

6. The Americans lost in killed, wounded and missing, 561. The number lost by the Mexicans was 
never ascertained, but it was supposed to be more than 1,000. 

7. John Ellis Wool is a native of New York. He entered the army in 1812, and soon rose to the rank of 
lieutenant-colonel, for gallant conduct on Queenstown Heights. [Verse 11, p. 2G2.] He has belo-gcd to 
the army ever since. He was breveted brigadier in 1826, and for gallant conduct at Buena Vista, in 
1847, was breveted major-general. 

8 .\ustin's settlement. See note 1, p. 297. 

9. Pronounced C/i<fe-icaA-iraA. 10. Verse 14, p. 301. 

11. The agreement for a cessation of hostilities is so called. See verse 31, p. 308. 

12. Pronounced Co-ah-teeel-ah. 



Que<iiom. — 15. What can yon tell of general Wool's services? What was done with recruits? 
l*?. W!i It can von tell of Wool's movements? What did he accomplish? 17. What of the armistice at 
Monterey? What movements did the Americans make ? What had been done ? 



folk's administration. 



303 



That place had already surrendered' [Nov. 14], and being informed that Santa 
Anna was collecting a large force at San Luis Potosi,- he returned to Monterey, 
to reinforce general Worth, if necessary. Worth was joined by Wool's division, 
near Saltillo, on the 20th of December, and Taylor again advanced and took 
possession [Dec. 29] of Victoria. 

18. The conquering Taylor was now compelled 
to endure a severe trial of his temper and patriot- 
ism. G-eneral Scott had arrived before Yera 
Cruz, [Jan. 1847], for the purpose of invading 
Mexico from that point, and being the senior offi- 
cer, he took supreme command. Just as Taylor 
was preparing for a vigorous Winter campaign, he 
received an order from general Scott,^ to send him 
a large portion of his best officers and troops, to 
assist against Vera Cruz, and to act thereafter 
only on the defensive.^ Taylor was deeply mor- '- 
tified, but instantly obeyed, and he and general 
Wool were left with an aggregate force of only 
about five thousand men (only five hundred regu- 
lars) to oppose an array of twenty thousand, now 
gathering at San Luis Potosi, under Santa Anna, 
They united their forces at Agua Neuva,^ twenty 
miles south from Saltillo, on the San Luis road, 
early in February [Feb. 4, 1847], and weak as he was, Taylor determined to 
fight the Mexicans, who were now advancing upon him. Tlie opportunity was 
not long delayed. 

19. The Americans fell back [Feb. 21] to Buena Vista,^ within eleven miles of 
Saltillo, and there, in a narrow defile in the mountains, encamped in battle order. 
At about noon the next day [Feb. 22] the Mexican army approached within 
two miles of them ; and Santa Anna, assuring Taylor that he was surrounded 
by twenty thousand troops, and could not escape, ordered him to surrender with- 
in an hour. Taylor poUtely refused the request, and both armies prepared for 
battle. There was some skirmishing during the afternoon;'^ and early the fol- 
lowing morning [Feb. 23] a terrible conflict commenced. It was desperate and 
bloody, and continued until sunset. Several times the overwhelming numbers 
of the Mexicans appeared about to crush the little band of Americans ; and 
finally Santa Anna made a desperate assault^ upon the American centre, com- 




GENERAL SCOTT. 



1. Commodore Connor, who commanded (he " Home Squadron" in the Gulf, captured Tampico. 
Tobasco and Tuspan were captured by commodore Perry, in October following. 

2. Santa Anna was elected provisional president of Mexico, in December, and in violation of his peace 
promises to commodore Connor, he immediately placed himself at the head of the army. 

3. Winfield Scott was born in Virginia in 1786. He was admitted to law practice at the age of twenty 
years. He joined the army in 1808, was made lieutenant-colonel in 1812, and passed through the war 
that ensued, with great honor to himself and his country. He was breveted major-general in 1814, and 
was made general-in-chief of the army, in 1841. His .successes in Mexico greatly added to his laurels, 
and he is now [1854] considered one of the greatest captains of the age. 

4. The necessity for this order was as painful to general Scott, as it was mortifying to general Taylor. 
Before leaving W^ashington, Scott wrote a long private letter to Taylor, apprizing him of this necessity, 
expressing his sincere regrets, and speaking iu highest praise of the victories already achieved in 
Mexico. 

6. Pronounced ^^-MJaA Nexcaij-rah, or New Water. 

6. Pronounced Bwe-nah Fes-CoA— Pleasant AVater. This was the name of a hacienda (plantation) at 
Angostura. 

7. It was the anniversary of the birth of Washington, and the American war cry yr&s—The memory of 
Washington ! ^ j. ^ ■ 

8. To deceive the Americans, Santa Anna resorted to the contemptible trick of sending out a flag in 



Questions.— 18. What mortifying orders did Taylor receive? How did he act? What was the con* 
di.ioa of his army? What did" he proceed to do ? 19. What did the two armies do? What can you tell 
of a battle that occurred ? liy what name is it known ? 



804 



THE CONFEDERATION. 



manded by Tavlor in person. It stood like a rock against a billow, and by the 
assistance of the artiilerr of Bragg. Washington and Sherman, the martial 
wave was rolled back, the Mexicans fled in confusion, and the Americans were 
masters of the bloody field. 

20. The Mexicans all withdrew 
dm-ing the night, leaving their dead 
and wounded behind them.' The 
invaders were now in possession of 
all the northern Mexican provinces, 
and Scott was preparing to storm 
Vera Cruz- and march to the capital.^ 
In the course of a few months, gen- 
eral Taylor left Worth in command 
[Sept. 1847] and returned home, 
everywhere receiving tokens of the 
highest regard from his countrymen. 
Let us now consider other opera- 
tions of the war during this period. 
21, The command of the '"army of the west"^ was given to general Kearney,^ 
with instructions to conquer Xew Mexico and California. He left Fort Leaven- 
worth in June, and after a journey of nine hundred miles over the C4reat Plains 
and among the mountain ranges, he arrived at Santa Fc, the capital of New 
Mexico on the 18th of August. He met with no resistance ;^ and having taken 
peaceable possession of the country, and constituted Charles Bent its governor, 
he marched toward California. He soon met an express from commodore Stock- 
ton" and colonel Fremont, informing him that the conquest of California had al- 
ready been achieved.' The main body of his troops then returned to Santa 
Ft', and with one hundred men he pushed forward to Los Angeios, on the 
Pacific coast, where he met [Dec 27, lS46j Stockton and Fremont. In company 




REGIOX OF TAYLOR'S OPERATIONS. 



token of surrender, at the motneat of making- the assault, hoping thereby to canse his ecemj- to be less 
vigilant. Taylor was too well acquainied wiih Mexican treachery to be deceived. 

1. The Araericans lost two hundred and sixty-seven killed, four hundred and fifty-six wounded, and 
twenty-three missing. The Mexicans lost almost two thousand. They lefi five hundred of their ccm- 
radesdeadon the field. Amor.g the Americans slain was lieutenant-colonel Clay, son of the distin- 
guished Henrv Clay, of Kentucky. Verse 7, P- 2Sfc. 

2. Note 5, p' 305. 

3. On the day of the battle at Bnena Vista, general Minon, with eight hundred cavalry, was driven 
from Saltillo by captain Webster and a small party of Americars. On the 26th of February, colonels 
Siorgan and IrVin defeated a party at Agua Frio ; and on the 7 th of March, major Giddings was victo- 
rious at Ceralvo. 

4. Verse 12. p. 301. 

5. Stephen W. Kearney was a native of New Jersey. He was a gallant soldier in the war of 1S12-'15. 
He was breveted a brigadier in IS46, and major -gene; al in December the same year, for gallant con- 
duct in the Mexican war. He died at Vera Cruz in October, 1S48, at the age of fifty-four years. 

6. The governor and four thousand Mexican troops fled at his approach, and the people, numbering 
about six thousand, quietly submitted. 

7. Kobert F. Stockton is a son of one of the New Jersey signers of the Declaration of Independence. 
He entered the navy in ISll, and was appointed commodore in lSc-8. He left the navy in May, 1650, 
and is now [1854] a member of the of the United States Senate from New Jersey. 

8. Lieutenant-colonel Fremont was sent with a party of about sixty men to explore portions of New 
Mexico and California. When he arrived in the vicinity of Monterey on the Pacific coast, he was op- 
posed by a Mexican force under general Castro. Fremont aroused all of the American settlers in the 
vicinity of San Francisco Bay, captured a Mexican post and garrison, and nine cannons and two hun- 
dred and fifty muskets, at So'nora Pass [June 15. 1S46]. and then advanced to Sonora, and defeated Cas- 
tro and his troops. The Mexican authorities were effectually driven out of that region of country, and 
on the 5th of July, the American Californians declared theiiiselves independent, and placed Fremont at 
the head of the government. Two davs afterward commodore Sloat, tlien in command of the squadron 
in the Pacific, bombarded and captured Mor.terey : and on the Pih, commodore Montgomery tock pos- 
session of San Francisco. Commodore Stockton "arrived on the loth, and with colonel Fremont, took 
possession of the city of Los Angeios, on the 17ih of August. 



Que.tiion.s.—20. What did the Mexicans do? Wliat had been accomplished? What did Taylor do? 
21. What can vou tell of the movements of general Kearney ? What conquests were made? 




folk's administration. SOo 

with these officers, he shared in the honor of the final battle of San Gabriel 
[Jan 8, 1847], which completed the conquest and pacification of (.'iilifornia. 

22. Fremont, the real liberator of California, 
claimed the right to be governor, and was sup- 
ported by Stockton and the people ; but Kear- 
ney, his superior officer, would not acquiesce. 
Fremont refused to obey him, and Kearney de- 
parted, sailed to Monterey, and there, in conjunc- 
tion with commodore Shubrick, he assumed the 
office of governor, and proclaimed [Feb. 8, 1847] 
the annexation of California to the United 
States.' 

23. While Kearnc}^ was on his way to Califor- 
nia, colonel Doniphan, by his command, was en- 
gaged, with a thousand Missouri volunteers, in 
forcing the Xavajo Indians to make a treaty of ' 
peace. This was accomphshedon the 22dof No- colonel fremo.vt. 
vember, 1846, and then Doniphan marched to- 
ward Chihuahua^ to join general Wool. When with eighteen miles of its capi- 
tal he was confronted [Feb. 28,, 1847] by four thousand Mexicans. These he 
completely routed, ■^ and then pressing forward to the city of Chihuahua* he en- 
tered in triumph, raised the flag of the United States upon its citadel in the 
midst of a population of forty thousand [March 2]. and took possession of the 
province in the name of his government. After resting six weeks he marched 
to Saltillo [May 22], where general Wool was encamped. From thence he re- 
turned to New Orleans, having made a perilous march from the Mississippi, of 
about five thousand miles. The conquest of all Northern Mexico,^ with Califor- 
nia, was now complete, and general Scott was on his march for the great capital. 
Let us now consider 

GENERAL SCOTT'S INVASION OF MEXICO. 

24. The Mexican authorities having scorned overtures for peace made by the 
government of the United States in the autumn of 1846, it was determined to 
conquer the whole country. For that purpose general Scott was directed to col- 
lect an army, capture Vera Cruz,^ and march to the Mexican capital. His ren- 

1. Fremont was ordered home to be tried for disobedience of orders. He was deprived of his com- 
mission, but the President, valuing him as one of the ablest officers in the army, olfered it to him again. 
Fremont refused it, and went again to the wilderness and engaged in exploration. When ("alifornia 
became a State, he was elected its flrst United States Senator [1851], and now [1854J he is a rich and 
honored citizen of that country. Fremont is about forty -three years of age. 

2. At Braceli, in the valley of the Rio del Norte, they met a large Mexican force on the 22d of Decem- 
ber, under general Ponce de Leon. Hj sent a black flag to Doniphan with the message, " We will nei- 
their ask nor give quarter." The Mexicans then advanced and fired three rounds. The Missoiirians fell 
upon their faces, and the enemy, supposing them to be all slain, rushed forward for plunder. The .•Amer- 
icans suddenly arose, and delivering a deadly fire from their rifles, killed two hundred Mexicans p.ud 
dispersed the remainder in great confusion. 

.3. The .Vmericans lost in killed and wounded, only eighteen men ; the Mexicans lost about six hun- 
dred. . 

4. Some conspiracies in New Mexico against the new government, ripened into revolt, in January, 
1847. Governor Bent and others were murdered at Fernando de Taos on the 19th, and massacres oc- 
curred in other quarters. On the 2.3d, colonel Price, with three hundred and fifty men marched »?«'"«* 
and defeated the insurgents at Canada, and finally dispersed them at the mountain gorge called the 
Pass of Embudo. , 

5. This citv was considered the kev to the country. On an island opposite was a very strong '"''tress 
called the castle of San Juan de Ulloa [note 4, p. 306), always celebrated for its great strength, ana 
considered impregnable by the Mexicans. 

Qnestionf! —22 What can you tell of Fremont and Kearney ? 23. What can you tell of Doniphan's 
expelition, and his wonderful march? 24. What did the United States governmcp.t di-tcrniire to dr.? 
and why ? What w.is general Scott directed to do ? What can you tell of his expedition against V era 
Cruz ? What of the attack and surrender ? 



306 



THE CONFEDERATION. 




dezvous was at Lobos Island/ and on the 9th of March, 184*7, he landed near 
Vera Cruz with an army of about thirteen thousand men, borne thither by a 
powerful squadron commanded by commodore Conner.^ He invested the city 
on the 13th, and five days afterward [March 18 j having everything ready for 
an attack, 3 he summoned the town and fortress for the last time, to surrender. A 
refusal was the signal for opening a general cannonade and bombardment from 

his batteries and the fleet. The siege 
continued until the 27th, when the 
city, the strong castle of San Juan de 
Ulloa,^ with five thousand prisoners and 
five hundred pieces of artillery, were 
surrendered to the Americans.^ The 
latter had only forty men killed, and 
about the same number wounded. At 
least a thousand Mexicans were killed, 
and a great number were maimed. 

25. Greneral Scott took possession of 
Vera Cruz on the 29th of March, 1847, 
and on the 8th of April, the advanced 
force of his army, under general Twiggs, 
commenced their march for the interior by way of Jalapa.^ Santa Anna had 
advanced, with twelve thousand men, to Cerro Gordo, a difficult mountain pass at 
the foot of the eastern chain of the Cordilleras. He was strongly fortified, and 
had many pieces of cannon well placed for defence. Scott had followed Twiggs 
with the main body. His whole army now numbered about eight thousand five 
hundred men.''' Having skilfully arranged his plans, he attacked the enemy on 
the 18th of April. The assault was successful. More than a thousand Alexi- 
cans were killed or wounded, and three thousand were made prisoners.^ The 
boastful Santa Anna^ narrowly escaped capture by fleeing upon a mule taken 
from his carriage. The Americans lost, in killed and wounded, four hundred and 
thirty-one. 

26. On the 19th of April, the victors entered Jalapa; and on the 22d, general 
Worth unfurled the stripes and stars upon the castle of Perote, on the summit of 
the eastern Cordilleras, fifty miles from Jalapa. This was considered the strong- 
est fortress in Mexico, next to Vera Cruz, yet it was surrendered without resist- 
ance.'" Onward the victorious army marched; and on the 15th of May [1847] 
it entered the ancient walled and fortified city of Puebla,'^ without opposition 



intrexchme:<ts at vera cruz. 



1. About one hundred and twenty -five miles north from Vera Cruz. 

2. Verse 4, p. 299. 

3. The engineering operations were performed very skilfully under the direction of colonel Totten, an 
officer of the war of 1812. For his bravery at Vera Cruz, he was made brigadier-general, by brevet. He 
is now [1854] about sixty-eight years of age. 

4. Pronounced San Whan-dah-oo-loo-ah. 

5. It is estimated that during this siege, not less than six thousand seven hundred shots and shells were 
thrown by the American batteries, weighing, in the aggregate, more than four thousand pounds. 

6. Pronounced Hah-lah-pah. 

7. A strong garrison had been left at Vera Cruz. 

8. Having neither men to guard, nor food to sustain the prisoners, general Scott dismissed them on pa- 
role. Note 2 , p. 223. 

9. Before the battle, Santa Anna said, " I will die fighting rather than the Americans shall proudly 
tread the imperial city of Azteca." So precipitate was his flight that he left all his papers behind him, 
and his wooden leg. He was so severely wounded in his leg, while defending Vera Cruz against the 
French, in 1838, that amputation was necessary, and a wooden one was substituted. 

10. Fifty-four pieces of cannon and mortars were captured here, and a large quantity of munitions of 
war. 

11. Pronounced Pweh-ldh. 



Questions. — 25. What movements toward the interior of Mexico, were made? What opposition was 
encountered? What can you tell of a battle at Cerro Gordo? 26. What progress did the Americana 
make ? What important conquests were accomplished ? What had now been achieved ? 



folk's administration. 



307 



"UCUSTINE 

Extinct Volcanoes 




ROUTE OF THE U. S. ARMY FROM VERA CRUZ TO MEXICO. 



from the eighty thousand inhabitants within. Here the Americans rested 
after a series of victories almost unparalleled. Within two months, an army aver- 
aging only about ten thousand men, had taken some of the strongest fortresses 
on this continent, made ten thousand prisoners and captured seven hundred pieces 
of artillery, ten thousand stand of arms, and thirty thousand shells and cannon 
balls. Yet greater conquests awaited them. 

27. General Scott remained at Puebla until August,' when, being reinforced 
by fresh troops, sent by way 
of Vera Cruz, he resumed his 
march toward the capital, 
with more than ten thousand 
men, leaving a large number 
sick in the hospital." Their 
route was through a beauti- 
ful region, well watered, and 
clothed with the richest ver- 
dure, and then up the slopes 
of the great Cordilleras. 
From their lofty summits, and almost from the same spot where Cortez and his 
followers stood amazed more than three centuries before,-^ Scott and his army 
looked down [Aug. 10, 1847] upon that glorious panorama cf interv^ales, lakes, 
cities and villages, in the great valley of Mexico — the capital of the Aztec Em- 
pire^ — the seat of " the Halls of the Montezumas."^ 

28. On the 11th of August, general Twiggs^ cautiously led the advance of the 
American army toward the city of Mexico, and encamped at St. Augustine, on 
the Acapulco road, eight miles south of the capital. Before him lay the strong 
fortress of San (or St.) Antonia, and close on his left were the heights of Chur- 
ubusco, crowned with embattled walls covered with cannons, and to be reached 
in front only by a dangerous causeway. Close by was the fortified camp of 
Contreras, containing six thousand Mexicans, under general Valencia ; and be- 
tween it and the city, was Santa Anna, and twelve thousand men, held in re- 
serve. 

29. Such was the general position of the belligerents when, a little after mid- 
night on the 20th of August [1847], general Smith" marched to the attack of the 
camp at Contreras. The battle opened at sunrise. It was sanguinary, but 



1. During this long halt of the American armv, the government of the United States made iinavaihrg 
efforts to negotiate for peace. The Mexican authorities refused the olive branch, and boai^ted of their 
patriotism, valor and strength, while losing post after post, in their retreat toward the capital 

2. At one time there were eighteen hundred men sick at Puebla ; and at Perote seven hundred died 
during the Summer, notwithstanding the situations of these places, on lofty table lands, were considered 
exceedinclv healthful. 

3. Verse 23, p. 31. . , , , . .v 

4. According to the faint glimmerings of ancient Mexican history which have come down to us, the 
Aztecs, who occupied that country when it first became known to Europeans [verse 22, p. 31], came from 
the North, and were more refined than anv other tribes, which, from time to time, had held possession 
of the country. They built a city within the borders of I-ake Tezcueo, and named it Mexico, in honor of 
itexitii, their god of war. Where the present great cathedral stands, they had erected an immense tem- 
ple, dedicated to the sun, and there offered human sacrifices. It is related, that at Hs contecration al- 
most sixty thousand human beings were sacrificed. The temple was built about the year Ht>0, by llie 
predecessor of Montezuma, the emperor found by (Cortez. . ,, . r. i i 

5. This expression, referring to the remains of the palace of Montezuma in Mexico, was often used (lur- 
ing the war. , , , , noio MK 

6. David E. Twiggs was born in Georgia, in 1790. He was a major at the close of the war ot IH - 15, 
and was retained in the army. He was breveted a major-general aUer the battle at Monterey, and lor liia 
gallantry there received the gift of a sword from Congress. 

7. General Persifer F. Smith of Louisiana. 



Oi/esKon.' — 27 What can vou tell of the march toward the Mexican capital ? What of the country 
near the capital ? 28. What'did general Twicgs do ? What were the relative posit-ons of the opposing 
armies? What of the Mexican defences? 29. What can you tell of the first conflict near the citj of 
Mexico 7 



;os 



THE CONFEDERATION, 








^^>1_-^ 

I^«^ 



brief, and the Americans -were victorious. Eightv officers and three thousand 
private soldiers were made prisoners ; and the chief trophies were thirty-three 
pieces of artillery. In the meanwhile, generals Pierce^ and Shields,- with a small 
force, had kept Santa Anna's powerful reserve at bay. 

30. Scott now directed a similar movement 
against Churubusco. Santa Anna advanced: aud 
the whole region became a battle-tield. under tlie 
eye and control of the American commander-in- 
chief. The invaders dealt blow after blow suc- 
cessfully. Antonio yielded. Churubusco was taken, 
and Santa Anna abandoned the field and tied to 
the capital. It was a memorable day in Mexico. 
An army, thirty thousand strong, had been 
broken up by another less than one-third its 
strength in numbers : and at almost every step 
the Americans were successful. Full four thou- 
sand of the Mexicans were killed or wounded, 
three thousand were made prisoners, and thirty- 
seven pieces of cannon were taken, all in one day. 
The Americans lost, in killed and wounded, al- 
most eleven hundred. 

31. Grt?neral Scott might now have entered the 
city of Mexico in triumph, but he preferred to 
bear the olive branch, rather than the palm. 
As he advanced to Tacubaya [Aug. 21]. within 
tliree miles of the city, a tlag came from Santa 

• Anna to ask for an armistice preparatory to ne- 

gotiations for peace.^ It was granted : and Xicholas P. Trist. who had been ap- 
pointed, by the United States gxivernment, a commissioner to treat for peace, went 
into the capital [Aug. 24] for the purpose. Scott made the p;ilace of the arch- 
bishop, at Tacubaya. his head quartei"S. and there anxiously awaited the result 
of the conference, until the 5th of September, when Mr. Trist returned, with the 
intelligence that his propositions were not only spurned with scorn, but that 
Santa Anna had violated the armistice by strengthening the defences of the city. 
Disgusted with the continual treachery of his foe, Scott declared the armistice 
at an end [Sept. 7]. and prepared to storm the capital. 

32. On the morning of the Sth of September, less than four thousand Amer- 
icans attacked fourteen thousand Mexicans, under Santa Anna, at El MoUnos 
dtl Bt^y (the King's }^lil!s\ near Chapultepec. They were at first repulsed, with 
great slaughter ; but. returning to the attack, they fought desperately for an hour, 
and drove the Mexicans from their position. Both parties suflered dreadfully. 
The Mexicans left almost a thousand dead on the field, and the Americans lost 
about eight hundred. 

33. Chapultepec was doomed. It was a lofxj hill, strongly fortified, and the 
seat of the military school of Mexico. It was the last place to be defended out- 






I^P 






..^-^'^c^s 



OVEKATIONS >"EAK MEXICO. 



1. N'ote 4. p. ?1S. 

2. Go e: III Jiunes Shields of Illinois, eow '1S54] Unixed Slates Senator from that State. 

3. Xoie 4, p, It^l. 



Q^ie.'^onf. — SO. What other hostile tnovetnents oocnrred? What stro'io^ places yielded to the Amer- 
icans? What was accomplished on the iH.)th of Aiijrust, 1S47 * ?.l. What forbearar.ee did Scott show ? 
What negotiations were eutereii into? What did Scott do? What was the result of his forbearance? 
S2. What occurred on the moruire of the H;h of September? What of a battle? 33. What can you tell 
of the attack on Chapultepec ? What victories did the Americans achieve? What can you tell of the 
Cig-ht of the Mexicans? What favor was asked of general Scott? What can you tell of the surrender 
ot the capitaL 



folk's administkation. 309 

side the suburbs of the city. Scott erected four heav}- batteries to bear upon it 
on the night of the 11th of September: and the next day [Sept. 12, 1847], a 
heavy cannonade and bombardment commenced. On the 13tli. the assailants 
commenced a furious charge, routed the enemy, with great slaughter, and un- 
furled the American flag over the shattered castle of Chapultepec. The Mex- 
icans fled to the city along an aqueduct, pursued by general Quitman' to its very 
gates. That night, Santa Anna and his army, with the officers of government, 
fled from the doomed capital ; and at four o'clock the following morning [Sept. 
1-4], a deputation from the city authorities waited upon general Scott, and beg- 
ged him to spare the town and treat for peace. He would make no terms, but 
ordered generals Worth and Quitman- to move forward, and plant the stripes 
and stars upon the National Palace. Tlie victorious generals entered at ten 
o'clock, and on the Grand Plaza,^ took formal possession of the Mexican Empire. 

34. Order soon reigned in the capital. Santa Anna made some feeble ettbrts 
to regain lost power, ^ and failed ; and before the close of October, he was a fu- 
gitive, stripped of every commission. The president of the Mexican Congress 
assumed provisional authority; and on the 2d of February, 1848, that bod}" con- 
cluded a treaty of peace, with commissioners of the United States, at Gauda- 
loupe Hidalgo. This treaty was tinaily agreed to by both governments, and on 
the 4th of July following, president Polk proclaimed it.^ New Mexico and Cal- 
iforuia^ now became territories of the United States. 

35. Besides the war with Mexico, and the settlement of the Oregon boun- 
dary question" with Great Britain. Mr. Polk's administration was distinguished 
by the establishment of an independent treasury sj-stem,^ by which the national 
revenues are collected in gold and silver, or treasury notes, without the aid of 
banks; and a revision of the tariff laws in 1846, by which protection to Ameri- 
can manufacturers was lessened. During the last year of his administration 
"Wisconsin was admitted [May 29, 1848] into the Union of States, making the 
wliole number thirty. 

36. The popularity which general Taylor had gained by his brilliant victories 

1. John A. Quitman is a native of New York, and is now [1854] nbout fifty-Cve years of agrc. lie lod 
volunteers to the Mexican war, and was breveted and presented with a sword, by Congress, for his gal- 
lantry. He was governor of Mississippi in 1S51. 

2. Till' approach of each was along separate aqueducts. See map, p. SOS. 

3. PUiji'. This is the large public square in the city of Mexico. 

4. He appeared before Puebhi on the 22d of September, where colonel Childs had been besieged 
since the 13th. The approach of general I^ane frightened him away ; and in a battle wiih the troops of 
that leader at Huamantla, Santa Anna was defeated. On the 18th of October he was again defeated at 
Atlixco, and there his troops deserted him, and he became a fugitive, seeking safety, byfliglit, to the 
shores of the gulf. See note 4, p. ."^19. 

5. It stipulated the evacuationof Mexico by the American army, within three months : the payment of 
S,'?,O00,O00in hand, and $12,000,000 in four annual instalments by the United States to Mexico, for tho 
territory acquired by conquest ; and in addition, to assume debts due certain citizens of the United 
States to the amount of $3,500,000. It also hxed boundaries, &c. 

6. During the same month that a treaty of peace was signed at Gandaloupe Hidalgo, a man em- 
ployed by captain Sutter, who owned a mill twenty-five miles np the American fork of the Sacrament-^ 
river, discovered gold. It was very soon found in other localities, and during the Summer, rumors of 
the fact reached the United States. ' These rumors assumed tangible form in tfie President's message in 
December, 1848, and at the beginning of 1849, thousands were on their way to the land of gold. Around 
Cape Horn, across the isthmus of Panama, and over the great central plains of the continent, men^went 
by hundreds ; and far and wide in California, the precious metal was found. From Europe and South 
America, hundreds flocked thither ; and the Chinese came also by scores from Asia, to dig gold. Tho 
dreams of the early Spanish voyagers [verse 24, p. 31], and those of the Knglish who sought gold on tho 
coasts of Labrador [verse 18, p. 37], and up the rivers of the middle of the continent [verse 23, p. 39], 
have been more than realized. Hundreds yet [1854] continue to go thither, and yet the gold seems in- 
exhaustible. Since its first discovery in 1848 to the close of 1853, there has been brought from California 
and deposited in the mint (and its branches) of the United States alone, almost $713,OtK),0OO. 

7. Verse C, p. 2S9. 8. Note 6, p. 292. 



<)Hft?i''>n.e.— 34. What hostile efforts did Santa Anna make? Wliat became of him? What government 
was esiabU.shcd in Mexico, and wb.it ('.id it do? What treaty was made? 35. What else distinguished 
president Polk's administration? Wh:it can you tell of a treasury system? What other events took 
place ? 36. What can you tell of the presidential election in 1848 ? 



810 



THE CONFEDERATION 



in Mexico, caused him to be nominated for president of the United States, in 
many parts of the Union, even before he returned home;' and he \\-as chosen 
to be a candidate for that office, by a national convention, held at Philadelphia 
in June, 184:8. Ilis opponent was general Lewis Cass, of Michigan, now [1854] 
United States Senator from that State. General Taylor was elected by a largo 
majority, with Millard Fillmore of New York, as vice-president. 




TATLOR, A>"D HIS KESIPEM'E. 



SECTION XIII. 

TAYLOR'S ADMINISTRATION. [1849 — 1850], 

1. Because the 4th of March, 1849, oc- 
curred on the Sabbath, Zachary Taylor- took 
the oath of office as president of tlie Uni- 
ted States on the 5th, and appointed his 
cabinet on the following day.^ The ap- 
pointments were contirmed by the Senate ; 
and with the heart of a patriot and honest 
man, Taylor entered upon his responsible 
duties with a sincere desire to serve his 
country as taithfully in the cabinet, as he 
had in the field.^ He had the sympathies 
of a large majority of the people with him, 
and his inauguration was the promise of 
great happiness and prosperity for the 
country. 

2. Thousands of adventurers were flock- 
ing to California from all parts of the 
Union, when Taylor took the presidential 
chair, and elements of a new and powerful 
State were rapidly gathering there. States- 
men and politicians perceived the import- 
ance of the new territory, and soon the 
question whether slavery should have a 
legal existence there, became an absorbing 
topic in Congress and among the people. 
The inhabitants of California decided the 
question for themselves. In convention at 
San Francisco, the people voted against 
slaverv, and a constitution for a State gov- 



1. Terse 20. p. "04. 

2. Zachary Tnylor was born in Virgrinia, in November, 17?4. He went -wiih his father to Kentucky 
the following year, and his childhood was passed near the piesent city of Louisville. He entered iho 
I'liited Stales aimy in lM>7. He was a distinguished subaltern during the war of 1S12-'15. and aitained 
the rank of major. He was of great service in the Florida war [verse 6, p. 293] ; and when hostilities 
with Mexico appeared probable, he was sent in that direction, and, as we have seen, displayed gteat 
skill .nnd bravery. He died in July, 1830, having performed the duties of President only sixteen months. 

3. He appointed John M. Clayton, Secretary of State ; William M. Meredith, Secretary of the Treas- 
ury ; George W. Crawford, Secretary of War ; William B. Preston. Secretary of the Navy ; Thomas 
Ewing. Secretary of the Interior (& iiew office recently established, in which some of the duties before 
performed by the State and Treasury departments are" attended to) ; Jacob Collamer, Postmaster-Gen- 
eral ; and Reverdv Johnson, Aitorrev-General. 

■4. Verse 6, p. 2^9, to Verse 20, p. S04. 



QrifsHons. — 1. What can you tell of president Taylor's inaugmration ? How did the future appear? 2. 
What great emigration wasia progress T How was California regarded ? What can you tell of its organ- 
ization as a Slate ? 



TAYLORS ADMINISTRATION. 311 

ernment, adopted in convention at Monterey, on the 1st of September, 1849, ex- 
cluded slavery from tlie Territory, forever.^ The birth and maturity of this new 
State seemed Uke a dream — all was accomplished within twenty months after 
gold Avas discovered near Sutter's Mill.2 

3. When the United States senators, appointed by the legislature of Califor- 
nia,^ went to Washington, they carried their Constitution with them, and pre- 
sented a petition [Feb. 1850] asking for the admission of that territory into 
the Union as a free and independent State.-* The article of the constitution 
which excluded slavery, became a cause for violent debates in Congress, and of 
bitter sectional feeling between the people of the North and South. The Union 
was shaken to its centre, and prophets of evil foretold its speedy dissolution. 
As in 1832,' there were menaces of secession from the Union, by southern rep- 
resentatives, and never before did civil war appear so inevitable. 

4. Happily for the country, some of the ablest statesmen and patriots the Re- 
public had ever gloried in, were members of the national legislature, at that 
time, and with consummate skill they directed and controlled the storm. In the 
midst of the tumult and alarm in Congress and throughout the land, Henry 
Clay again^ appeared as the potent peace-maker between the Hotspurs of the 
North and South; and on the 25th of January, 1850, he offered, in the Senate, 
a plan of compromise which met the difficulty. Eleven days afterward [Feb. 5, 
1850] he spoke nobly in defence of his plan, denounced secession as treason, and 
implored his countrymen to make every sacrifice but honor, in support of the 
Union. Mr. Clay's plan was warmly seconded by Daniel Webster; and other 
senators approving of compromise, submitted propositions. 

5. Finally, on motion of senator Foote of Mississippi, a committee of thirteen 
was appointed to consider the various plans and report a bill. The committee con- 
sisted of six northern and six southern senators, and these chose the thirteenth. 
The senate appointed Mr. Clay chairman of the committee, and on the 8th of May 
following, he reported a bill. It was discussed for four iQonths. and on the 
9th of September, each measure included in the bill having been thoroughly con- 
sidered separately, the famous Compromise Act o/1850 had passed both Houses 
of Congress, and became a law.''' While this important discussion wasprogress- 

1. General Riley, the military governor of California, established a sort of judiciary by proclamation, 
in August, 1849, with Peter H. Burnet as chief justice. Before that time there was no statute law in 
California. By proclamation, governor Riley called a convention to form a State constitution, and when 
it was adopted, Burnet was elected governor, and the first legislature was held at San Jose, on the 20th 
of De:ember following. 

2. Note 6, p. 309. 

3. John C. Fremont and William M. Gwin. Edward Gilbert and G. H. Wright were elected members 
of the House of Representatives. 

4. At this time our government was perplexed by the claims of Texas to portions of the territory of 
New Mexico, recently acquired [ verse 34 p. .309], and serious difficulty was apprehended, ^>arly in 
185J, the inhabitants of New Mexico petitioned Congress for a civil government, and the Mormons of 
the Utah region also petitioned for the organization of the country they had recently settled, into a Ter- 
ritorv of the United States. See note 4, p. 312. 

5. Verse 6, p. 288. 6. Verse 7, P- 288. 

7. Because several measures, distinct in their objects, were embodied in the act, it is sometimes known as 
the " Omnibus Bill" The most important stipulations of the act were, 1st. That California should be ad- 
mitted into the Union as a State, with its anti-slavery Con.stitution, and its territorial extent from Ore- 
gon to the Mexican possessions ; 2d. That the vast country east of California, containing the Mormon 
settlements near the Great Salt Lake, should be erected into a Territory called Utah, without mention 
of slavery ; 3d. That New Mexico should be erected into a Territory, within satisfactory boundaries, 
and without any stipulations respecting slavery, and that ten millions of dollars should be paid to 
Texas from the Federal treasurv in purchase" of her claims ; 4th. That the slave trade in the Dis- 
trict of Columbia should be abolished : 5th. A law providing for the arrest in the northeri: or free States, 
and return to their masters, of all slaves who should escape from bondage. The last measure of the 
Compromise Act produced, and continues to produce, much dissatisfaction at the North ; and the execu- 
tion, evasion and violation of the law, in several instances, have led to serious disturbances and much 
bitter sectional feeling. See note 1, p. 323. 

Qufstion-f.—X What did California representatives do? What effect was produced by the anti-slavery 
article iu its State constitution? 4. What can vou sav of American statesmen ? What was done to pro- 
mote harmony? 5. What can you tell of the Compromise Act of 1860? What melancholy event occurred? 
What important event followed ? 



812 



THE CONFEDEKATIO^. 




ULLMOUE, A>D HI6 UtsIDEXCE. 



ing, president Taylor was seized "with a dis- 
ease similar to Qholera, which terminated 
his earthly career on the 9th of July, 1850. 
In accordance with the provisions of the 
Constitution.' he was immediately succeeded 
in office by the vice-president, 

MILLARD FILLM0RE.2 

6. Although the administration of presi- 
dent Taylor was brief, it was distinguished 
by events which will have an important 
bearing upon the future destiny of our Re- 
pubhc. One of these was an invasion of 
Cuba by a force under general Lopez, which 
was organized and officered in the United 
States, in violation of existing neutrality 
laws. Lopez landed at Cardenas on the 
19th of April, 1850, expecting to be joined 
by some of the Spanish troops and native 
Cubans, and by concerted action to rid the 
island of Spanish bondage. But the people 
and troops did not co-operate with him, and 
disappointed, he returned to the United 
States to prepare for a more formidable ex- 
pedition.3 During Taylor's administration, 
cue sovereign State and three territories 
were added to the confederacy, ■" and prepa- 
rations were made for organizing other lo- 
cal governments within the domain of the 
United States. 

7. Mr. Fillmore assumed the duties of 
president of the United States on the 10th 
of July, 1850. At his request, president 



1. Terse 3, p. 295, and art. ii., sef. 1, Constitution, p. 338. 

2. Millard Fillmore was born in January, 1800, in Cayuga county. 
New York. His early education was limited, and at a suitable 
age he was apprenticed to a wool-carder. At the age of nineteen, his 
talent attracted the attention of judge Wood, of Cayuga county, 
and he took the humble apprentice under his charge, to study the 
science of law. He became eminent in his profession. He was 
elected to the Assembly of his native State, in 1829, and in 1832, 
was chosen to represent his district in Congress. He was re-elected 
in 1837, and was continued in otEce several years. In 1844, he was 
an unsuccessful candidate for the office of governor of his native 
State, and in 1848 he was elected vice-president of the United 
States. The death of Taylor gave him the presidency, and he con- 
ducted public affairs w^ith dignity and skill. 

3. Verse 11, p. 314. 

4. The State of California and the Territorie.t of New Mexico, 
Utah and Minnesota. The greater portion of the inhabitants of 
Utah are of the religious sect called Mormons, who, after suffering 
much in Missouri and Illinois, from their opposers, penetrated the 
deep wilderness [1848] in the interior of our continent, and near the 
Great Salt Lake, in the midst of the savage Utah tribes, they have 
built a large city, made extensive plantations, and founded an em- 
pire almost as large, in territorial extent, as that of Alexander the 
Oreat. The sect was founded in 1827, by a shrewd young man named Joseph Smith, a native of central 




1 ^ 



JOSEl'H SMITH. 



Questions. — 6. What can you say of President Taylor's administration? What expedition was at- 
tempted in 1S.50? What additions were made to the Confederacy? 7- What of the beginning of president 
Fillmore's administration? 




Fillmore's administration. 813 

Taylor's cabinet ministers remained in office until the 15tb, when new heads of 
departments were appointed/ William R. King of Alabama, was elected pres- 
ident of the Senate, and thus became ex-oflficio vice-president of the United 
States. "2 

8. The most important measure adopted during 
the early part of Fillmore's administration, was 
tlie Compromise Act, already considered. ^ Dur- 
ing his official career, the president firmly sup- 
ported all the requirements of the act, and his 
judicious course kept the waters of public opin- 
ion comparativel}'- calm, notwithstanding the 
workings of the Fugitive Slave Law frequently 
produced much local excitement, where it hap- 
pened to be executed. At the close of his ad- 
ministration in the Spring of 1853, there was 
very little disquietude in the pubUc mind on the , 
subject of slavery. / 

9. In the Spring of 1851, Congress made im- 
portant changes in the general post-office laws, 
chiefly in the reduction of letter postage, fixing i>rofessor horse. 
the rate upon a letter weighing not more than 

half an ounce, and pre-paid, at three cents, to any part of the United States, 
excepting California and the Pacific territories. This measure was a salutary 
one, and has been productive of much social and commercial advantage, for inter- 
changes of thought are proportionately more frequent than before, and friendly 
intercourse and business transactions by letters are far more extensive. At the 
same time electro-magnetic telegraphing had become quite perfect; and by 
means of the subtle agency of electricity, communications were speeding over 
thousands of miles of iron wire, with the rapidity of lightning.* The estab- 

New York, who professed to have received a special revelation from Heaven, giving him knowledge of 
a book which had been buried many centuries before, in a hill near the village of Palmyra, whose leaves 
were of gold, upon which were engraved the records of the ancient people of America, and a new gospel 
for man. He found dupes, believers and followers ; and now [1854] there are Mormon missionaries in 
every quarter of the globe, and the communion numbers, probably, not less than two hundred thousand 
souls. There is almost a sufficient number in Utah (60,000) to entitle them to a State constitution, and 
admission into the Union. Their permission of polygamy, or men having more than one wife, will be a 
serious bar to their admission, for Christianity and "sound morality forbid the custom. The Mormons 
have poetically called their country, Deseret— the land of the Honey Bee — but Congress has entitled it 
Utah, and bv that name it must be known in history. 

itftn7)e.soto"(sky-colored water) is the Indian name of the river St. Peter, the largest tributary of the Mis- 
sissippi, in that region. It was a part of the vast Territory of Louisiana, and was organized in March, 1849. 
An embryo village at the Falls of St Anthony, named St. Paul, was made the capital, and it now 
[1854] contains more than seven thousand souls. Its growth is unprecedented, even in the wonderful 
progress of other cities of the West, and it promises to speedily equal Chicago in its population. 

1. Daniel Webster, Secretary of State ; Thomas Corwin, Secretary of the Treasury : Charles M. 
Conrad, Secretary of War; Alexander H. H. Stuart, Secretary of the Interior; William A. Gra- 
ham, Secretary of the Navy ; John J. Crittenden, Attorney -General ; Nathan K. Hall, Postmaster- 
General . 

2. See art. i, sec. 1, Constitution, p. 338. 3. Note?, p. 311. 

4. In 1832, professor Samuel F. B. Morse had his attention directed to the experiments of Franklin 
upon a wire of a few miles in length, on the banks of the Schnylkill, in which the velocity of electricity 
was found to be so inappreciable, that it was supposed to be instantaneous. Professor Morse, pondering 
upon this subject, suggested that electricity might be made the means of recording characters as signs of 
intelligence at a distance, and in the autumn of iaS2, he constructed a portion of the instrumentalities 
for that purpose. In 1835 he showed the first complete instrument for telegraphic recorihng, at the JNew 
York city University. In 1837 he completed a more perfect machinery. In 1^38 he submittied the mat- 
ter and the telegraphic instruments to Congress, asking their aid to construct a line of sulBcient length 
" to test its practicability and utility." The committee to whom the subject was referred, reportert la- 
vorably, and proposed an appropriation of $;^0,000, to construct the first line. The appropriation, however, 
was not made until the 3d of March, 1843. The posts for supporting the wires were erected between 



Q.wstion.s.-~fi. What can yon tell of Mr. Fillmore and the Compromise Act of 1850 ? 9. What changes 
were made in the Post office laws f What were the effects of a reduction of letter postage ? What can 
"VOH tell of a new method of communicating intelligence? 

14 



314 THE CONFEDEKATION. 

lishment of this instantaneous communication between distant points is one 
of the most important achievements of this age of invention and discovery; 
and the names of Fulton and Morse' will be forever indissolubly connected 
in the commercial and social history of our Republic. 

10. During the Summer of 1851, there was again considerable excitement 
produced throughout the country because other concerted movements were 
made at different points, in the organization of a military force for the purpose 
of invading Cuba.- The vigilance of the government of the United States was 
awakened, and orders were given to Federal marshals to seize suspected men, 
vessels, and munitions of war. The steam-boat, Cleopatra^ was seized at New 
York ; and several gentlemen, of the highest respectability, were arrested on a 
charge of a violation of existing neutrality laws. In the meanwhile, the 
greatest excitement prevailed in Cuba, and forty thousand Spanish troops were 
concentrated there, while a considerable naval force watched and guarded the 
coasts. These hindrances caused the dispersion of the armed bands who were 
preparing to invade Cuba, and quiet was restored for awhile. 

11. In July, the excitement was renewed. General Lopez3 made a speech 
to a large crowd in New Orleans, in favor of an invading expedition. Soon 
afterward [Aug. 1851], he sailed from that port with about four hundred and 
eighty followers, and landed [Aug. 11] on the northern coast of Cuba. There 
he left colonel Crittenden.^ of Kentucky, with one hundred men, and proceeded 
toward the interior. Crittenden and wis party were captured, carried to Ha- 
vanna, and on the 16th, were shot. Lopez was attacked on the 13th, and his 
little army dispersed. He had been greatly deceived. There yet appeared no 
signs of revolution in Cuba, and he became a fugitive. He was arrested on the 
28th, with six of his followers, taken to Havanna, and on the 1st of September 
was executed.-^ Since that event, no successful efibrt to organize an invading 
expedition has been made, notwithstanding there is [1854] a strong feehng in 
some sections favorable to it.^ 

12. During the Autumn of 1851, more accessions were made to the vastly- 
extended possessions of the United States, by the purchase of twenty-one mill- 
ions of acres of land in Minnesota, from the Upper Sioux, tribes.^ At about the 



Washington and Baltimore, a distance of forty miles. In the Spring of 1844, the line was completed, 
and the proceedings of the Democratic convention, then sitting in Baltimore, which nominated James 
K. Polk for the presidency of the United States, vras the first use, for public purposes, ever made by the 
telegraph, whose wires now [1854] extend a distance of more than forty -one thousand miles in the Uni- 
ted States and Canadas. Professor Morse's system of Recording Telegraphs is adopted generally on the 
continent of Europe, and lately has been selected by the government of Australia, for the telegraphic 
systems of that country. A very ingenious machine for recording telegraphic communications with 
printing types, so as to avoid the necessity of copying, was constructed, a few years ago, by House, and 
is now extensively used. 

1. Samuel F. B. Morse is the eldest son of Rev. Jedediah Morse, the first American geographer. He wa» 
born in Charlestown, Mass., in 1791, and graduated at Yale College in 1810. He studied painting, in Eng- 
land, <and was very successful. He was one of the founders of the National Academy of Design in New 
York, and he was the first to deliver a course of lectures upon art, in America. He became a professor 
in the New York city University, and there perfected his magnetic telegraph. Mr. Morse now [1854] 
resides on his beautiful estate of Locust Grove, near Po'keep.«ie, New York. 

2. Verse 6, p. 312. 3. .Verse 6, p. 312. 

4. William L. Crittenden. He had been a second lieutenant in the United States infantry, by brevet, 
but resigned in 1849. 

5. The instrument of execution was a garrote vil. The victim is placed on a seat, on the high back of 
which is the instrument. Instant death is caused by breaking the neck with apiece of iron, forced for- 
ward bv a screw. 

6. Ve'rse 12, p. 323. 

7. Verse 1, p. 22. The price paid for this tract was abont $305, tXK), to be given when they should 
reach their reservation in Upper Minnesota, and $68,000 a-year, for fifty years. 



Questions. — 10. What produced excitement in the summer of 1S51 ? What occurred at New York in 
regard to an invasion of Cuba? What was the state of feeling in Cuba? and what was done? 11. What 
of a new expedition to Cuba? What was attempted? What was the result? 12. Wliat Indian lands 
were purchased by the United States, in 1851? What can you say of the progress of the country? and 
the enlargement of the Capitol at Washington? 



FILLMORE'S ADMINISTRATION. 315 

same time, another broad region was purchased of the Lower Sioux ; ' and now 
[1854] a white population is flowing thither, to take the place of the Indians, 
and make " the wilderness blossom as the rose." On account of the rapid pro- 
gress of immigration from abroad and inter-emigration at home, and the exceed- 
ing prosperity of business of all kinds, the greatest activity everywhere pre- 
vailed, and forecast perceived a vast and speedy increase of population and na- 
tional wealth. Already new States and Territories were sending additional rep- 
resentatives to the seat of the Federal government, and the capitol was be- 
coming too narrow. "2 In view of future wants, its extension was decided upon; 
and on the 4th of July, 1851, the president laid the corner-stone of the addition.3 
13. In May, 1845, Sir John Franklin, a veteran English explorer, with two 
vessels and one hundred and thirty-eight men, left Great Britain in search of 
the long sought for north-west passage to the East Indies.-* Since the Spring of 
1846, no tidings of him have been received, and several expeditions have been 
sent in search of him. Among others, Henry Grinnell, a wealthy merchant of 
New York, sent two vessels, at his own expense, in quest of the missing mar- 
iner. The expedition left New York in May 1850, under the command of heu- 
teuant De Haven, of the United States navy. It penetrated the polar waters to 
the southern entrance of WeUington Channel, where the graves of three of 
Franklin's men, made in April 1846, were discovered; and after ineffectual at- 
tempts to pass up that channel to the supposed open circumpolar sea beyond, 
the expedition returned [Oct. 1851] without accomplishing its benevolent object. 
Mr. Grinnell, in connection with the government of the United States, sent an- 
other expedition on the same errand, in May 1853, under the command of Dr. 
E. K. Kane, the surgeon and naturalist of the former enterprise. It is now 
[June 1854] in the polar regions.^ In the meanwhile, the great problem which, 
for three hundred years, has perplexed the maritime world, has been worked 
out by an Enghsh navigator. The fact of a north-west passage around the Arctic 
coast of North America, from Baffin's Bay to Behring's Straits, has been unques- 
tionably demonstrated.^ 

'. About $225,000 were paid for this tract, and an annual payment of $30,000 for fifty years. Alto- 
.., the IJnited States government paid about $3,000,000 for Indian lands, in the Autumn of 1851. 

Z. Each State is entitled to two Senators. The number of States now [1854] beins thirty-one, the Sen- 
ate is composed of sixty -two members. The number of Representatives to which each State is en- 
titled, is determined by the number of inhabitants. The present number of members in the House of 
Representatives, is two hundred and thirty-four. 

3. On that occasion, an oration was pronounced by Daniel Webster, in the course of which he said, 
*' If, therefore, it shall hereafter be the will of God that this structure shall fall from its base, that its 
foundations be upturned, and the deposit beneath this stone brought to the eyes of men, be it then 
known, that on this day, the Union of the United States of America stands firm — that their Constitution 
still exists unimpaired, and with all its usefulness and glory, growing every day stronger in the atfec- 
tions of the great body of the American people, and attracting, more and more, the admiration of the 
■world." 

4. Verse 4. p. 33 ; also, verse 18, p. 37, and note 8, p. 42. 

5. Supposing Greenland to be the southern cape of the polar continent, it was the intention of Dr. 
Kane to sail as far north along that coast as the ice would allow, and then leave his vessels and make 
an overland journey northward, in quest of supposed green fields under a mild atmosphere, and an open 
sea within the polar circle ; and, perhaps, there find the temporary home of Franklin and liis men. Dr. 
Kane is now [1854] only thirty-two years of age, light in person, and of indomitable energy. He holds 
an accomplislied pencil and a ready pen, and hft scientific attainments are of the highest order. He has 
travelled extensively, and has collected a vast amount of material for popular instruction. His nar- 
rative of the first " Grinnell Expedition," written and illustrated by himself, is a wonderful record of 
travel, bold adventure and scientific research. 

6. In October 1853, Captain McClure, of the ship, Investigator, sent in search of Sir John Franklin, 
having passed through Behring's Straits, and sailed eastward, reached a point with sleds upon the ice, 
which had been penetrated by navigators from the East (captain Parry and others), thus establishing 
the fact, that there is a water connection between Baffin's Bay and Behring's Straits. Already 
the mute whale had demonstrated this fact to the satisfaction of naturalists. The same species are 
found in Behring's Straits and Baffin's Bay ; and as the waters of the tropical regions would be like a 
sea of fire to them, they must have had communication through the polar channels. The connecting 
water between Baring island and Prince Albert Land, is called Prince of Wales Strait. 

Question. — 13. What can you tell of an English polar expedition ? What efforts have been made to find 
the lost mariners ? What can you tell of two American expeditions? What great problem has been 
solved ? 



316 THE CONFEDERATION. 

14. In December. 1851, Louis Kossuth, the exiled governor of Hungarr, ar- 
rived in New York, from England, on a mission to the United States in quest 
of aid for his oppressed country. His wonderful eflbrts in behalf of hbert j in 
Hungary during and after the European revolutions in 1848,^ and his extraor- 
dinary talent as an orator, secured for him a reception in Great Britain and in 
the United States, such as the most powerful emperor might be proud of His 
journey throughout a greater portion of the States, was like a continued ova- 
tion. He was welcomed by deputations from all classes and pursuits ; and 
many thousands of dollars were raised in aid of Hungary, by voluntary contri- 
butions. His noble advocacy of correct international law- and universal brother- 
hood, his unwearied labors in behalf of his smitten country, and his devotion to 
the cause of human freedom in general, endeared him to the great majority of 
the people of the United States. The policy of our government forbade its lend- 
ing material aid ; but Kossuth received an expression of its warmest sympathies.^ 
His advent among us, and his bold enunciation of hitherto unrecognized national 
duties, are important and interesting events in the history of our republic. 

15. During the summer of 1852, the subject of difficulties concerning the 
fisheries^ on the coast of British America was brought to the notice of Congress, 
and for several months there were indications of a serious disturbance of the 
amicable relations between the governments of the United States and Great 
Britain. American fishers were charged with a violation of the treaty of 1818, 
which stipulated that they should not cast their lines or nets in the bays of the 
British possessions, except at a distance of three miles or more from the shore. 
Now, the British government claimed the right to draw a line from head-land to 
head-land of these bays, and to exclude the Americans from the waters within 
that line.^ An armed naval force was sent to sustain this claim, and American 
vessels were threatened with seizure if they did not comply. The government 
of the United States regarded the assumption as illegal, and two steam vessels of 
war (Princeton and Fulton) were sent to the coast of Nova Scotia to protect the 
rights of American fishermen. The dispute was soon amicably [Oct. 1852] set- 
tled by mutual concessions, and the cloud passed by. 

16. Another important measure of national concern was matured and put in 
operation during the Summer of 1852. The great importance of commer- 
cial intercourse with Japan, because of the intimate relations which must soon 
exist between our Pacific coast and the East Indies, had been felt ever since the 
foundation of Oregon^ and California.^ An expedition, to consist of seven ships 

1. In February 1848, the French people drove Louis Phillippe from his throne, and formed a tem- 
porary republic. The revolutionary spirit spread ; and within a few months, almost every country on 
the continent of Europe was in a state of agitation, and the monarchs made many concessions to the 
people. Hungary made an efifort to become free from the rule of Austria, but was crushed by the 
power of a Russian army. 

2. He asserted that grand principle, that one nation has no right to interfere with the domestic con- 
cerns of another, and that all nations are bound to use their efforts to prevent such interference. 

3. Matters connected with his reception, visit and desires, occupied much of the attention of Congress, 
and elicited warm debates during the session of 1S52. The chevalier Hulseman, the Austrian minister at 
Washington, formally protested against the reception of Kossuth, by Congress ; and because his protest 
was not heeded, he retired from his post, and left the duties of his office with Mr. Belmonte, of New 
York. Previous to this, Hulseman protested against the policy of our government in relation to Austria 
and Hungary, and that protest was answered, in a masterly manner [January 1851], by Mr. Webster, 
the Secretary of State. 

4. Verse 5, p. 34. 

5. This stipulation was so construed as to allow American fishermen to catch cod within the large 
bays where they could easily carry on their avocation at a greater distance than three miles from any 
land. Such had been the common practice, without interference, tmtil the assumption of exclusive 
right to their bavs was promulgated by the British. 

6. Verse 5, p. 299. 7. Verse 2, p. 310. 



Qttestionf. — 14. What can yon tell of governor Kossuth and his visit to the United States ? 15. What 
difhculties with Great Britain occurred in 1851 ? What claims were set up ? How was the matter set- 
tled? 16. What important expedition was arranged in the summer of 1852 ? What object is to be ob- 
tained ? What has been accomplished ? 



Fillmore's administration. 317 

of -war, under the command of commodore Perrj, a son of the " Hero of Lake 
Erie,"^ was fitted out for the purpose of carrying a letter from the president of 
the United States to the emperor of Japan, soliciting the negotiation of a treaty 
of friendship and commerce between the two nations, by which tlie ports of the 
latter should be thrown open to American vessels, for purposes of trade. That 
expedition is yet [June, 1854] m the East India waters, ^ and its eiforts have 
been crowned with success. Several Japan ports have been opened to our 
commerce, and other privileges have been granted. Hitherto the Dutch have 
monopolized the trade of Japan.^ 

17. The Spanish authorities of Cuba, being thoroughly alarmed by the at- 
tempts at invasion,^ and the evident sympathy in the movement of a large por- 
tion of the people of the United States, became excessively suspicious, and many 
little outrages were committed at Havanna, which kept alive an irritation of 
feeling inconsistent with social and commercial friendship.' The idea became 
prevalent in Cuba and in Europe, that it was the policy of the government of 
the United States to ultimately acquire absolute possession of that island, and 
thus have control over the commerce of the Gulf of Mexico (the door to Cali- 
fornia), and the trade of the West India group of islands, which are owned 
chiefly by France and England. To prevent such a result the cabinets of 
France and England asked that of the United States to enter with them into a 
treaty which should secure Cuba to Spain, by agreeing to disclaim " now and 
forever hereafter, all intention to obtain possession of the Island of Cuba," and 
" to discountenance all such attempts, to that effect, on the part of any power 
or individual whatever." 

18. On the 1st of December, 1852, Edward Everett, then Secretary of State, 
issued a response to this extraordinary proposition, which the American people 
universally applauded for its keen logic and patriotic and enUghtened views. He 
told France and England plainly, that the question was an American, not an 
European one, and not properly within the scope of their interference; that 
while the United States government disclaimed all intention to violate existing 
neutrality laws, yet it would not relinquish the right to act in relation to Cuba, 
entirely independent of every other power ; and that it could not see with indif- 
ference, "the island of Cuba fall into the hands of any other power than Spain."^ 
Lord John Russell, the English prime minister, answered this letter, in February, 
1853, and thus ended the diplomatic correspondence on the subject of the pro- 
posed "Tripartite Treaty/' as it was called. 



1. Verse 7, p. 267. 2. Note 4, p. 27. 3. Note 5, p. 42. 4. Verse 6, p. 312, and verses 10, 11, p. 314. 

5. In the Autumn of 1852, an officer of the steamship Crexrent City, which conveyed the United States 
mails, passengers, and freight between New Orleans and New York, was charged by the Spanish au- 
thorities with having written articles published in the New York papers, on Cluban alfairs, which were 
very offensive. He was forbidden to land in Havanna, and in November when the Crescent City, on her 
■way to New York, entered that harbor, no communication between her and the shore was allowed, and 
she was obliged to proceed to sea, with passengers and mails, that should have been left at Havanna. A 
more flagrant outrage of a similar character was committed in the spring of 1854. See verse 11, p. 323. 

6. As early as 18^, when the Spanish provinces in South America were in rebellion or forming into 
independent republics, president Monroe, in a special message upon the subject, promulgated the doc- 
trine, since acted upon, that the United States ought to resist the extension of foreign domain or influ- 
ence upon the American continent, and not allow any European government, by colonizing or otherwise, 
to gain a foothold in the New World, not already acquired. This was directed specially against the etlorts 
expected to be made by the allied sovereigns who had crushed Napoleon, to assist Spain against her re- 
volted colonies in America, and to suppress the growth of democracy there. It became a settled policy 
of our government, and Mr. Everett rc-asserted it in its fullest extent. Such expression seemed to be 
important and seasonable, because it was well known that Great Britain was then making strenuous efforts 
to obtain potent influence in Central America, so as to prevent the United States from acciuiring ex- 
clusive property in the routes across the isthmus from the gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Ocean. 



Questions.— \1. What can you tell of the Spanish aiithorities of Cuba? and of their conduct ? What 
suspicions were aroused ? What did France and England ask the United States to do t 18. What did 
secretary Everett do? What doctrines did he promulgate ? 



318 



THE CONFEDERATION. 



19. The presidential election in November, 1852, resulted in the choice of 
FrankUn Pierce, of New Hampshire. William R. King, of Alabama, was 
elected vice-president, ^ but faihng health compelled him to leave the country be- 
fore the oath of office could be adminis- 
tered to him. He went to Cuba, remained 
a few months, and died [April 18, 1853] 
soon after his return to his estate in Ala- 
bama, at the age of sixty-eight years. The 
most important of the closing events of 
Mr. Fillmore's administration was the crea- 
tion by Congress of a new Territory [March 
2, 1853] called Washington, out of the 
northern part of Oregon.- 




ND HIS RESIDENCE. 



SECTION XIV. 

PIERCE'S ADMINISTRATION. 1853 — . 

1. It was a stormy day [March 4, 1853] 
when Frankhn Pierce^ stood upon the rude 
platform of New Hampshire pine, erected 
for the purpose over the steps of the eastern 
portico of the Federal capitol, and took the 
oath of office administered by chief-justice 
Taney. ■* Among that great assembly was 
one who bore a near relationship to the 
great "Washington,^ and had been pres- 
ent at the inauguration of every president 
of the United States since the formation of 
our federal government in 1789.^ Untram- 
.\ melled by special party pledges, the new 
cliief magistrate entered upon the duties of 
his office under pleasant auspices ; and his 
inaugural address, full of promise and patri- 
otism, received the general approval of 
his countrjTuen. Three days afterward 



1. The opposing candidates were g:enei-al Winfield Scott [verse 18, p. 303] for president, and William A. 
Graham [note 1. p. 313] for vice-president. 

2. Verse 5, p. 299. 

3. Franklin Pierce was born in Hillsborough, New Hampshire, in 1804. His education was finished 
in Bowdoin college, Maine. He chose the profession of law, and became one of its leading practitioners 
in his native State. He was early called to public duties in his State legislature. In 1S33 he was elected 
to a seat in the Federal Congress, and remained there four years. He was elected UnitedSiaiesSenator 
in 1837, which office he resigned in 1S42. He prepared for the war with Mexico [verse 29, p. 307] as a com- 
mon soidier.but received the commission of brigadier general, in which capacity he distinguished himself. 
He went into retirement after the war, from which he was imexpectedly called to the chief magistracy 
of the nation. 

4. Xote 2, p. 289. 

5. George Washington Parke Custis, of Arlington House, Virginia, a grandson of Mrs. Washington, 
and adopted son of the Father o/Jiis Country. He is the only surviving executor of the last Will of 
Washington. 

6. Verse 9, p. 243. 



Queftion^. — 19. What was the result of the presidential election in 1852 ? What can you tell of vice- 
president King? What of the close of Fillmore's administration? 1. What can you tell of the inaugu- 
ration of president Fierc«? Wliat of the promises at the besinning, and his appointments ? 



Pierce's administration. 81^ 

[March "7] the Senate, in special session, confirmed his cabinet appointments,' 
and the administration now [1854] in progress, began its work. 

2. The earliest serious diiuculty which president Pierce was called upon to 
encounter, v/as a dispute concerning the boundary line between the Mexican 
province of Chihualiua- and New Mexico. ' The Mesilla valley, a fertile and 
extensive region, was claimed by both Territories ; and under the direction of 
Santa Anna,^ who is again [1854J president of the Mexican republic. Chihua- 
hua took armed possession of the disputed territory. For a time, war seemed 
inevitable between the United States and Mexico. The dispute was finally 
settled by negotiations; but events are continually transpiring on the bor- 
ders of the two countries, calculated to promote nnieh irritation of feeling. 
The people of Mexico are quite impatient of the arbitary rule of Santa Anna, 
and insurrection after insurrection continually disturb the Republic. The 
youth of the present generation will probably observe the rule of the United 
States eventudly extended over the whole of that unhappy country. 

3. Anotlier exploring expedition,5 consisting of four armed vessels and a sup- 
ply-ship, sailed from Norfolk in May, 1853, under the command of captain 
Ringgold. Its destination is the eastern coast of Asia, and its object a thorough 
exploration of those regions of the Pacific ocean yet to be traversed by vessels 
passing between the ports of our western frontier and China. This expedition 
is now [1854] pursuing its researches. In the meanwhile, plans have been ma- 
tured for the construction of one or more railways from the Mississippi valley 
across the continent to the Pacific coast. The thirty-second Congress at its last 
session** authorized survej^s; and by raid-summer [1853] four expeditions were 
fitted out to explore as many difierent routes.^ These surveys are yet [June 
1854] in progress; and taken in connection with the naval operations, they 
rank among the most important movements of the age. Who can estimate the 

1. William L. Marcy, Secretary of State ; James Guthrie, Secretary of the Treasury ; Robert McClel- 
lanri, Secretary of the Interior ; Jefferson Davis, Secretary of War ; James (". Dobbin, Secretary of the 
T...\j ; Jam.s Campbell, Postmaster-General ; Caleb Gushing, Attorney -General. 

2. Note 9, p. 302. 

3. Verse 34, p. 309. 

4. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, is a native of Mexico, and first 
came into public life in 1821, during the excitements of revolution. 
He has been one of the chief revolutionists in that unhappy country. 
He was chosen president of the Republic in 1833. After an exciting 
career as a commanding general, he was again elected president in 
1841, but was hurled from power in 1845. After the rapture of the 
city of Mexico by Scott [verse 33, p. 308], he retired to the West In- 
dies, and finally to Cartliagena, where he resided until 1853, when 
he returned to Mexico, and was elected president, again. He iiH now 
[June 1854] accused of a design to assume imperial power, and the 
consequence is, violent insurrections are in operation against him. 

5. Verses, p. 296. 
6 Note 3, p. 245. 
7. One, under major Stephens, was instructed to survey a northern 

route from the upper waters of tlie Mi.ssissippi to Puget's Sound ; an- 
other, under lieutenant W^hipple was directed to cross the continent 
from the Mississippi along a line adjacent to the 36th parallel of lati- 
tude, to Los Angelos or San Diego ; a third, under captain Gunnison, 
to proceed by way of the Great Salt Lake in Utah ; and a fourth, to 
leave the more Southern portions of the Mississippi, and reach the 
Pacific somewhere in Lower California — perhaps at San Diego. 
Colonel Fremont [verse 22, p. 305] was also at the head of a survey- santa amna. 

ing and exploring party among the Rockv Mountains early in 1854. 

At about the same time the Indians of the Wasatch range of mountains attacked Gunnison's party, and 
slew the leader and several of his men. Fremont's party stiffered terribly. Forty -five days they fed on 
mules which, from want of food, could go no further, and were killed and eaten, every particle even to 
the entrails ! They were met and relieved by another party on the 19th of February, 1854. The re- 
maines of the slain of Gunnison's party, have since been found. 




Questions. — 2. What serious difficulties did the new president first encounter? What claims were made? 
and how? What can you sav of the Mexicans? 3. What ocean exploring expeditions were sent out 
in 1853? What land expeditions? and for what purpose? What does the construction of railways to 
the Pacific promise ? 



320 



THE CONFEDERATION. 




AN OCEAN STEAMSHIP. 



efifect of a consummation of these 
gigantic plans, upon tlie growth and 
prosperity of tlie United States, 
when the Pacific's shores shall be 
reached by railways, and steamships 
shall ply regularly between these 
terminii and that "farther India," 
whose wealth the commercial world 
has so long coveted?^ The beaten 
tracks of commerce will be changed, 
and teeming marts will burst into 
existence where now the dwindhng 
tribes of the forest build their wig- 
wams, 2 and gaze musingly upon the sunset, the emblem of their own destiny. ^ 
4. An immense building, made of iron and glass, was erected in Hyde Park, 
London, under royal 

Fli 



patronage^ in 1851, 
and within it an ex- 
hibition of the in- 
dustry of all nations 
was opened on the 
iirst of May of that 
year. It was a 
World's Fair; and 
representatives from 
3very civilized na- 
ion of the globe 
were there, mingling 
together as brothers 
of one family, and 
all equally interest- 
3d in the perfection 
of each other's pro- 
ductions. The idea was one of great moral grandeur, for it set an insignia of 
dignity upon labor, hitherto withheld by those who bore sceptres and orders. 
There men of all nations and creeds received a lesson upon the importance of 
brotherhood among the children of men, such as the. pen and tongue could not 
:each ; and they are now diffusing the blessings of that lesson among their 
several peoples, the fruits of which wiU be seen by future generations. 

5. Pleased with the idea of a World's Fair, Americans repeated its develop- 
ment upon their own free soil. In the heart of the commercial metropolis of 
the New World, a " Crystal Palace " was erected ; and on the 14th of July, 
1853, an exhibition of the industry of all nations was opened there with impos- 
ing ceremonies led by the president of the United States. For several months 
ihe Palace was thronged with delighted visitors; and on the 4th of May, 1854, 
it was re-opened with impressive ceremonies as a 2)erpetual exhibition. There 
;a that beautiful palace. Labor was crowned as the supreme dignity of a na- 




CRTSTAL PALACE IN NE-W YORK. 



1. Verse 1, p. 25. 2. Verse 7, p. 9. .S. Verse 2, p. 23. 

4. The chief patron was Prince Albert, Lusbaud of Victoria, queen of Great Britain. 



Questions. — i. What building was erected in England in 1851 ? and for what purpose? How do yon 
egard the idea of a World's Fair? What was ett'ected f 5. What did Americans do? What can you 
tell of a Crystal Palace in New York ? 




Pierce's administration. 321 

tion and of the world.' Although the whole proceedings appeared but an 
ephemeral show, and the scheme of a perpetual exhibition may fail, the event 
will ever remain a prominent initial letter on the pages of our history. 

6. In the month of July, 1853, an event occurred which greatly increased the 
respect of foreign nations for the flag of the United States. A Hungarian refu- 
gee,"^ named Martin Koszta, had taken the legal measures to become a natural- 
ized citizen of our Republic. While engaged in 
business at Smyrna, on the Mediterranean, he was 
seized, by order of the Austrian consul-general, ^ 
and taken on board of an Austrian brig to be con- 
veyed to Trieste as a rebel refugee, notwithstand- 
ing he carried an American protection. Captain 
Ingraham, of the United States sloop-of-war,^ St. 
Louis, then lying in the harbor of Smyrna, imme- 
diately claimed Koszta as an American citizen. On 
the refusal of the Austrian authorities to release 
the prisoner, Ingraham cleared his vessel for 
action [July 2], and threatened to fire upon the 
brig if Kozsta was not delivered up within a given 
time. The Austrians yielded, and Koszta was 
placed in the custody of the French consul, to 
await the action of the respective governments. captain ingraham. 

Ingraham's course was everywhere applauded ; 

and Congress signified its approbation by voting him an elegant sword. The 
Austrian government issued a protest against the proceedings of captain In- 
graham, and sent it to all the European courts; and Mr. Ilulseman, the Aus- 
trian minister at Washington, 5 demanded an apology, or other redress, from our 
government, and menaced the United States with the displeasure of his royal 
master. But no serious difficulty occurred ; and Koszta, under the protection 
of the United States flag, returned to this land of free opinions. 

V. The thirty-third Congress (first session^) assembled, as usual, early in De- 
cember, 1853. A greater degree of good feeling was exhibited among members 
of both Houses, from all parts of the Union, than had been witnessed since the 
excitement incident to the slavery agitation in 1850." The people regarded the 
session as one of great moment, for subjects of vast national importance would 
necessarily occupy the attention of their representatives. The construction of a 



1. One of the speakers on the occasion [Elihu Burrittl said : " Worthy of the grandest circnmstanccs 
-which could be thrown around a human assembly, worthy of this occasion and a hundred like this, is 

that beautiful idea, the coronation of labor Not American labor, not British labor, not French 

labor, not the labor of the New World or the Old, but the labor of mankind as one undivided broiher- 
hood— labor as the oldest, the noblest prerogative of duty and humanity." And Rev. E. H. Chapin closed 
with the beautiful invocation : " O ! genius of Art, till us with the inspiration of still higher and more 
spiritual beautv. O ! instruments of invention, enlarge our dominion over reality. Let iron and fire 
become as bloo'd and muscle, and in this electric net-work let heart and brain enclose the world wi;h 
truth and sympathy. And thou, O ! beautiful dome of light, suggestive of the brooding future, the 
future of human love and divine communion, expand and spread above the tribes of men, a canopy 
broad as the earth, and glorious as the upper heaven." 

2. When Austria, by the aid of Russia fnote 1, p. 316], crushed the rebellion in Hungary. '" 18-»S, 
many of the active patriots became exiles in foreign lands. A large number came to the United States, 
and manv of them have become naturalized citizens— that is, after due legal preparation, took an oath to 
support the Constitution and laws of the United States, and to perform faithfully all the duties of a 
citizen. 

3. Note 2, p. 255. 4. Verse 15, p. 263. 5. Note 3, p. 316. 
6. Note 3, p. 245. 7. Verse 5, p. 311. 



QiiesHoun.S. What can you tell of the protection of the United States given to its citizens abroad ? 
Can you relate all the circumstances connected with the aflair alluded to? 7. What was the aspect ot 
the thirty-third Congress? What important measures were to be discussed by it? What disturbed Its 
harmony, and that of the whole country ? 

14* 



822 THE CONFEDERATION. 

railway to the Pacific ocean,' was a topic of paramount interest to be discussed. 
There were treaties m progress respecting boundaries and claims between the 
United States and their Southern neighbors, Mexico and Central America;'- and 
the government of the Sandwich Islands was making earnest overtures for an- 
nexing that ocean empire to our republic.^ Just as the preliminaries were ar- 
ranged, for entering vigorously upon the business of the session, the chairman 
of the Senate Committee on Territories (Mr. Douglas), presented a bill [Jan., 
1854] which disturbed the harmony in Congress and quietude among the people. 

8. In the centre of our continent is a vast region, almost twice as large, in 
territorial extent, as the original thirteen States,^ stretching between Missouri, 
Iowa and Minnesota, and the Pacific territories, from the thirty-seventh parallel 
of north latitude to the British possessions, ^ and embracing one-fourth of all the 
public lands of the United States. The bill alluded to, proposed to erect this vast 
region into two Territories, the southern portion below the fortieth parallel to 
be named Kanzas, and the northern and larger portion, Nebraska. The bill con- 
tained a provision which would nullify the compromises of 1820^ and 1850," and 
aUow the establishment of the institution of slavery therein, notwithstanding al- 
most the entire area of Nebraska would he north of the hne specified in the Mis- 
souri compromise.^ 

9. This proposition surprised Congress and the whole country, and it became 
a subject of discussion throughout the Union. The slavery agitation was 
aroused in all its strength and rancor, and the whole North became violently 
excited. Public meetings were held by men of all parties, and petitions and 
remonstrances against the measure, especially in its relation to Nebraska, were 
poured into the Senate.^ while the debate on the subject was progressing, from 
the 14th of February [1854] until the 1th of March. On the latter day, the bill 
passed that body by the decisive vote of thirty-seven to fourteen. The measure 
encountered great opposition in the House of Representatives ; and by means 
of several amendments, its final defeat seemed almost certain, and the excite- 
ment subsided. ^^ 

1. Verse 3, p. 319. 

2. Chiefly concerning grants of territory for inter-oceanic communications across the isthmuses ; and 
boundary lines between New Mexico, California and Old Mexico. 

3. These islands are destined to be of great importance in the operations of the future commerce of the 
Pacific ocean. A great majority of the white people there, are Americans by birth ; and the govern- 
ment, in all its essential operations, is controlled by Americans, notwithstanding the ostensible ruler 
is a native king. Preliminary negotiations have already commenced for the aimexation of this group 
of islands to our Republic. 

4. Verse 1, p. 132. Verse 5, p. 299. 6. Verse 8, p. 282. 7- Verse 5, p. 311. 

8. Verse 8, p. 282. The bill defines tlie boundaries of Nebraska, as follows : " Beginning at a point 
in the Missouri river where the fortieth parallel north latitude crosses the same ; thence west on said 
parallel to the summits of the highlands separating the waters flowing into the waters of the Green river, 
or Colorado of the West, from the waters flowing into the great lakes : thence northward on the said 
highlands to the summit of the Rocky Mountains ; Ihence on said summit northward to the forty-ninth 
parallel of north latitude ; thence east on said parallel to the western boundary of the Territory of Min- 
nesota ; thence southward on said boundary to the Missouri river ; thence down the main channel of said 
river to the place of beginning." It also thus defines the boundaries of Kanzas : '' Beginning at apoint 
on the western boundary of the State of Missouri, where the thirty-seventh parallel of north latitude 
crosses the same ; thence west on said parallel to the eastern boundary of New Mexico ; thence north 
on said boundary to latitude thirty-eight ; thence following said boundary westward to the summit of 
the highlands dividing the waters flowing into the Colorado of the West, or Green river, from the 
waters flowing into the great basin; thence northward on said summit to the fortieth parallel of lat- 
itude ; thence east on said parallel to the western boundary of the State of Missouri ; thence south with 
the western boundary of said State, to the place of beginning." 

9. A petition against the measure was presented to the Senate, immediately after the passage of the 
bill by that body, signed by three thousand clergymen of New England. 

10. A bill was reported in the Senate, on the 10th of March, providing for the construction of a rail- 
way to the Pacific ocean ; and on the same day when the Nebraska bill passed that body [March 7]. the 
House of Representatives adopter" one called the Homestead bill, which provided that any free white 
male citizen, or one who may have declared his intentions to become one, previous to the passage of this 



Questions. — 8. What can vou tell of avast territory in the interior of our continent? What was pro- 
posed to be done with it? What would the measure efl'ect ? 9. What did the proposition produce? 
What did Congress do ? 



Pierce's administration. 323 

10. Just as the public mind had become comparatively tranquil, the Nebraska 
bill was again called up in the House of Representatives [May 9, 1854] ; and a 
motion was made by one of its supporters, to close all debate on the subject 
within Ave minutes after the house should resume its consideration. This pro- 
duced intense excitement in that body, and a session of thirty-six consecutive 
hours' duration ensued, when an adjournment took place, in the midst of great 
confusion. The final question was taken on the 2 2d, and the bill was passed by 
a vote of one hundred and thirteen to one hundred. Three days afterward [May 
25], the Senate agreed to it as it came from the House, and it received the signa- 
ture of the President on the last day of May. Prophets of evil regard this 
event as the egg of much future trouble.' 

11. While the Nebraska subject was in progress, new difficulties with the 
Spanish authorities of Cuba, appeared.- Under cover of a shallow pretense, 
the American steamship. Black Warrior, was seized in the harbor of Havana 
[February 28, 1854]. and the vessel and cargo declared confiscated. The 
outrage was so flagrant, that a proposition was immediately submitted to 
the lower House of Congress, to suspend the neutrality laws,^ and compel 
the Havana officials to behave properly. The president sent a special mes- 
senger to the government at Madrid, with instructions to the American minister 
to demand immediate redress. In the meanwhile, the perpetrators of the out- 
rage became alarmed, and the captain general (or governor) of Cuba, with pre- 
tended generosity, offered to give up the vessel and cargo, on the payment by 
the owners, of a fine of six thousand dollars. They complied, but under pro- 
test, ■• and so the matter now [June, 1854] stands. 

12. But an international question has arisen between the governments of the 
United States and of Old Spain, which may be difficult to adjust,^ and so strong 
is the indignation of the people of our Union, against the Cuban officials, and so 
powerful is the tendency of a spirit of adventure toward an invasion of that 
island, to assist the native population in casting oft* the Spanish yoke,^ that a 
crisis must speedily be reached. The president of the United States having been 
informed that expeditions were preparing in different parts of the Union, for the 
purpose of invading Cuba, issued a proclamation against such movements, on 

act, mi^ht select a quarter section [one hundred and sixty acres] of land, on the public domain, and on 
proof being given that he had occupied and cultivated it for five years, he might receive a title to it, in 
fje, without being required lo pay anything for it. 

1. A few days after the final passage of the Nebraska bill, the city of Boston was made a theater of 
great excitement, by the arrest of a fugitive slave there, and a deputy-marshal was shot dead, during a 
riot. United States troops from Rhode Island were employed, to sustain the officers of the law, and a 
local military force was detailed, to assist in the protection of the court and the parties concerned, until 
the trial of the alleged fugitive was completed. The United States commissioner decided in favor of the 
claimant of the slave, and he was conveyed to Virginia by a government vessel. 

2. Verse 17, p. 31". 

3. Agreements made between the governments of the United States and Old Spain, to remain neutral 
or inactive, when either party should engage in war with another. Under the provisions of such laws, 
any number of citizens of the United States, who may he engaged in hostilities against Spain, would 
forfeit the protection of their government, and become liable to punishment, for a violation of law. It 
was on this account that Crittenden and his party [verse 11, p. 314] were shot at Havana, without the 
right of claiming the interference of the government of the ITnited States in their behalf. 

4. By protesting against an act which a party is compelled to perform, leaves the matter open for fu- 
ture discussion and final settlement. 

5. So important have the commercial transactions between the United States and Cuba become, that it 
is felt to he a necessity for the Spanish authorities of the is-land to be immediately responsible for any 
outrage they mav cotnmit. As the matter now stands, the settlement of the ditficulties growing out of 
the seizure "of the Black Warrior, must be made, not with the perpetrators, bnt with the far-off gov- 
ernment of old Spain, at Madrid. The people of the United States do not feel disposed to tolerate irre- 
sponsible despotisms so near the line of their commercial operations. 

6. Verse 16, p. 29. 

Questions. — 10. Wliat occurred in the House of Representatives? What was the 6nal result of the 
whole matter? 11. What can you tell about new difficulties with the Cuban atithorities? What was 
propos?il in Congress ? What did the president and the captain general do ? 12. What question remain* 
to be settled? What are the feelinjfs of the people of the United Slates? How miuufastad ? Wbatindi- 
catious appear ? 



324 THE CONFEDEKATION. 

the 1st of June [1854], and called upon all good citizens to respect the obliga- 
tions of existing treaties, between the governments of our Republic and Spain. 
Thick coming events appear to indicate that proclamations will be of httle avail, 
and that Cuba, the "Queen of the Antilles," may soon become an island-state 
of our vast Confederation/ 

13. And here, on the verge of great events yet to be developed in the Old and 
New World, we pause in our wonderful story of the discovery, 2 settlement, ^ and 
colonization^ of this beautiful land, and the estabUshment of one of the noblest 
Republics the world ever saw, covering with the broad segis of its power, a terri- 
tory as extensive as that of old Rome in her palmiest days, when she was mis- 
tress of the world,5 Let us not take special pride in the extent and physical 
grandeur of our beloved country, but endeavor to have our hearts and minds 
thoroughly penetrated with the glorious thoughts of Alcaeus of Mytelene, who 
asked and answered — 

"What constitutes a State? 
Not high-raised battlement or labored mound, 

Thick wall or moated gate ; 
Not cities proud, with spires and turrets crowned ; 

Not bays and broad armed ports. 
Where, laughing at the storms, rich navies ride ; 

Not starred and spangled courts, 
Where low-browed baseness wafls perfume to pride. 

No : men, high-minded men. 
With powers as far above dull brutes endued, 

In forest, brake or den. 
As brutes excel cold rocks and brambles rude — 

Men, who their duties know. 
But know their rights, and knowing, dare maintain ; 

Prevent the long-aimed blow, 
And crush the tyrant while they rend the chain — 

These constitute a Stated 

1. So rapid and wonderful a-e the political changes at the present time, that events here hinted at, 
may become realities before these pages shall be printed, and the reader and learner may find it neces- 
sary to change the tense of the last few verses, from the present to the past ; but -while the writer lives, 
all necessarv additions to this history will be made, from time to time. 

2. Page 24. 3. Page 44. 4. Page 75. 
5. The territorial extent of our Republic, is ten times as large as that of Great Britain and 

France combined ; three times as large as the whole of France, Britain, Atistria, Prussia, Spain. Portu- 
gal, Belgium. Holland and Denmark together ; one and a-half times as large as the Russian empire in 
Europe, and only one-sixth less than the area covered by the sixty States and Empires of Europe. The 
entire area in 1853, was 2,983.153 square miles. The internal trade of the United States is of vast ex- 
tent. Its value amounted in 1S53 (Lake and Western River traded, to more than $500,000,000, in which 
about 11,000.(XK) of our people are directly or indirectly interested. According to the seventh enumera- 
tion of inhabitants of the United States, inade in 1850, the total number was 23.191,876, of whom 19,553,- 
068, are white people ; 434,495, free colored : and 3,204,313, slaves. Taking the increase of population 
from 1840 to 1850, as a basis for calculation, we may safely conclude the population of the United States 
to be, at this time [June, 1854], about 27,000,000. The most aceessible works, in which are given, in 
detail, the progress of political events in the United States, from the formation of the Constitution until 
the present time, are Hildreth's History of the United States, second series ; and Williams's Statesman's 
ifanuaL The former closes with the year 1821 ; the latter is continued to the present year. 



Question. — 13. What can you tell of the extent of onr Republic? What does Alcfeus say constitutes 
a State '/ 



SUPPLEMENT. 




>,-'^%^ 



JEFFERSOX'S BOARDING HOUSE. 



THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 

1. The following preamble and speci- 
fications,' known as the Declaration of 
Independence, 2 accompanied the resolu- 
tion of Eichard Henry Lee,3 which was 
adopted by Congress on the 2d day of 
July, IVIG. This declaration was 
agreed to on the 4th, and the transac- 
tion is thus recorded in the Journal 
for that day : 

2. "Agreeably to the order of the 
day, the Congress resolved itself into a 
committee of the whole, to take into 
their further consideration the Declara- 
tion ; and. after some time, the presi- 



dent resumed the chair, and Mr. Harrison reported that the committee have 
agreed to a declaration, which they desired him to report. The Declaration 
being read, was agreed to as follows:" 



1. It must be remembered that these specific charges made against the king of Great Britain, inchides, 
in their denunciations, the government of which he was the head. Personally, George the Third was not 
a tyrant, but as the representative of a government, he was so. 

2. The picture exhibits the portraits of the committee [note 5, p. 187], appointed to draft a Declaration. 
Also a view of the house of Mrs. Clymer[note 6, p. 187], where Mr. JeflFerson boarded at the time, and 
wherein he performed the task of making the draft. The portrait nearest the front, and near the cen- 
tre, is Mr. Jefferson. Behind him is Dr. Franklin, next on his right, is Robert R. Livingston [verse 7, 
p. 256], next to him is Roger Sherman, and the last, is John Adams. 

3. Verse 9, p. 186. 



326 SUPPLEMENT. 

A DECLARATION' BY THE REPRESENTATIVES OP THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 

IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED. 

When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to 
dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to as- 
sume, among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station, to which 
the laws of nature, and of nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the 
opuiions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel 
them to the separation. 

3. We hold these truths to be self-evident — that all men are created equal; 
that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights ; that 
among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That, to secure these 
rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from 
the consent of the governed ; that, whenever any form of government becomes 
destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and 
to institute a new government, laying its foundations on such principles, and or- 
ganizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their 
safety and happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long 
established should not be changed for light and transient causes ; and, accord- 
ingly, all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while 
evils are sufterable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which 
they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursu- 
ing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute 
despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off" such government, and 
to provide new guards for their future security. Such has been the patient suf- 
ferance of these colonies, and such is now the necessity which constrains them 
to alter their former systems of government. The history of the present king 
of Great Britain, is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in 
direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these States. To 
prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world. 

4. He has refused his assent to laws the most wholesome and necessary for 
the public good.^ 

5. He has forbidden his governors to pass laws of immediate and pressing im- 
portance, unless suspended in their operations till his assent should be obtained ; 
and, when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them. 2 

6. He has refused to pass other laws for the accommodation of large districts 
of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of representation in 
the Legislature — a right inestimable to them, and formidable to tyrants only.3 

1. The colonial assemblies, from time to time, made enactments touching their commercial operations, 
the emission of a colonial currency, and concerning representatives in the imjierial parliament, but the 
assent of the sovereign to these laws was withheld. After the Stamp Act excitements [verse 11, p. 162], 
Secretary Conway informed the Americans that the tumults should be overlooked, provided the Assem- 
blies would make provision for full compensation for all public property which had been destroyed. In 
complying with this demand, the Assembly of Massachusetts thought it would be " wholesome and neces- 
sary for the public good," to grant free pardon to all who had been engaged in the disturbances, and 
passed an act accordingly. It would have produced quiet and good feeling, but the royal assent was 
refused. 

2. In 1764, the Assembly of New York took measures to conciliate the Six Nations, and other Indian 
tribes. The motives of the Assembly were misconstrued, representations having been made to the king 
that the colonies wished to make allies of the Indians, so as to increase their physical power and propor- 
tionate independence of the British crown. The monarch sent instructions to all his governors to desist 
from such alliances, or to suspend their operations until his assent should be given. He then " utterly 
neglected to attend to them." The Massachusetts Assembly passed a law in 1770, for taxing oflBcers of 
the British government in that colony. The governor was ordered to withhold his assent to such tax- 
bill. This was in violation of the colonial charter, and the people justly complained. The Assembly 
was prorogued from time to time, and laws of great importance were "utterly neglected." 

3. A law was passed by parliament in the Spring of 1774, by which the popular representative system 
in the province of Quebec (Canada) was annulled, and officers appointed by the crown, had all power 
as legislators, except that of levying taxes. The Canadians being Roman "Catholics, were easily paci- 
fied under the new order of things, by having their religious system declared the established religion of 
the province. But " large districts of people" bordering on Nova Scotia, felt this deprivation to be a 



DECLAKATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 327 

Y. He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, 
and distant from the repository of their public records, for the sole purpose of 
fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.' 

8. He has dissolved representative liouses repeatedly, for opposing, with manly 
firmness, his invasions on the rights of the people. - 

9. He has refused, for a long time after such dissolutions, to cause others to 
be elected, whereby the legislative powers, incapable of annihilation, have re- 
turned to the people at large for their exercise; the State remaining, in the 
meantime, exposed to all the dangers of invasions from without, and convulsions 
within.^ 

10. He has endeavored to prevent the population of these States ; for that 
purpose obstructing the laws for the naturalization of foreigners ; refusing to 
pass others to encourage their migration hither, and raising the conditions of 
new appropriations of lands.^ 

11. He has obstructed the administration of justice, by refusing his assent to 
laws for establishing judiciary powers.^ 



great grrievance. Their humble petitions concerning commercial regulations were unheeded, becanse 
they remonstrated against the new order of things, and governor Carleton [verse 19, p. 1)SU] plainly told 
them that they must cease their clamor about representatives, before they should have any new commer- 
cial laws. A bill for " better regulating the government in the province of Massacliusetts Bay," passed 
that year, provided for the abridgment of the privileges of popular electior.s, to take the government 
out of the hands of the people, and to vest the nomination of judges, magistrates, and even sheriffs, in 
the crown. When thus deprived of "free representation in the Legislature," and the governor refused 
to issue warrants for the election of members of the Assembly, they called a convention of tlie freemen, 
and asked for the passage of "laws for the accommodation of large districts of people." These re- 
quests were disregarded, and they were told that no laws should be passed until they should quietly 
" reliufiuish the right of representation in the Legislature — a right inestimable to them, "and formidable 
to tyrants only." 

1. In consequence of the destruction of tea in Boston harbor [verse 30, p. 169] in 1773, the inhabitants 
of that town became the specif objects of royal displeasure. The Boston Port Bill [verse 31, p. 170] was 
passed as apnnishment. The custom house, courts, and other public operations were removed to Salem, 
while the public records were kept in Boston, and so well guarded by two regiments of soldiers, that the 
patriotic members of the colonial Assembly could not have referred to them. Although compelled to meet 
at a place [verse .31, p. 170] " distant from the repository of the public records," and In a place extremely 
" uncomfortable," they were not fatigued into compliance, but in spite of the eflForts of the governor, 
they elected delegates to a general Congress [verse 35, p. 171], and adopted other measures for the public 
good. 

2. When the British government became informed of the fact that the .\sssembly of Massachusetts 
in 1768, had issued a circular [verse 18, p. 165] to other Assemblies, inviting their co-operation in assert- 
ing the principle that Great Britain had no right to tax the colonists without their consent. Lord Hills- 
borough, the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, was directed to order the governor of .Massachusetts to re- 
quire the .\ssembly of that province to rescind its obnoxious resolutions expressed in the circular. In 
case of their refusal to do so, the governor was ordered to dissolve them immediately. Other Assem- 
blies were warned not to imitate that of Massachusetts, and when they refused to accede to the wishes 
of the king, as expressed by the several royal governors, they were repeatedly dissolved. The Assem- 
blies of Virginia and North Carolina were dissolved for denying the right of the king to tax the colonies, 
or to remove offenders out of the country, for trial. [See verse 22, p. 166]. In 1774, when the several 
Assemblies entertained the proposition to elect delegates to a general Congress [verse 34, p. 171], nearly 
all of them were dissolved. 

3. When the Assembly of New York, inl766, refused to comply with the provisions of the Mutiny Act 
[verse 16, p. 164], its legislative functions were suspended by royal authority [verse 17, p. 164], and for 
several months the State remained " exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convul- 
sions within." The Assembly of Massachusetts after its dissolution in July, 1768, was not permitted to 
meet again until the last Wednesday of May, 1769, and then they found the place of meeting surrounded 
by a military guard, with cannons pointed directly at their place of meeting. They refused to act under 
such tyrannical restraint, and their legislative powers "returned to the people." 

4. Secret agents were sent to America soon after the accession of George the Third to the throne of 
England (verse 7, p. 160], to spy out the condition of the colonists. A large influx of liberty-loving 
(ierman emigrants was observed, and the king was advised to discourage these immigrations. Obstacles 
in the way of procuring lands, and otherwise, were put in the way of all emigrants, except from Eng- 
land, and the tendency of French Roman Catholics to settle in Maryland, was also discourngcd. The 
British government was jealous of the increasing power of the colonies, and the danger of having that 
power controlled by democratic ideas, caused the employment of restrictive measures. The easy con- 
ditions upon which actual settlers might obtain lands on the Western frontier, after the peace of 1763 
[verse 7, p. 160], were so changed, that toward the dawning of the revolution, the vast solitudes west of 
the AUeghanies were seldom penetrated by any but the hunter from the seaboard provinces. When the 
War for Independence broke out, immigiation had almost ceased. The king conjectured wisely, for al- 
most the entire German population in the colonies, were on the side of the patriots. 

5. By an act of parliament in 1774, the judiciary was taken from the people of Massachusetts. The 
judges were appointed bj' the king, were dependent on him for their salaries, and were subject to his 
will. Their salaries were paid from moneys drawn from the people by the commissioners of customs 
[verse 17. p. 164]. in the form of duties. The same act deprived them, in most cases, of th« benefit of 



328 SUPPLEMEKT. 

12. He has made judges dependent on his -will alone for the tenure of their 
offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.^ 

13. He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of 
officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.2 

14. He has kept among us in times of peace, standing armies, without the 
consent of our Legislatures.^ 

15. He has affected to render the military independent of, and superior to, the 
civil power. ^ 

16. He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our 
constitutions, and unacknowledged by our laws ; giving his assent to their acts 
of pretended legislation :^ 

17. For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us ;S 

18. For protecting them, by a mock trial, from punishment for any miirders 
which they should commit on the inhabitants of these States;''' 

19. For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world ;3 

trial by jury, and the " administration of justice " -was effectnallj' obstrncted. The rights for which 
Englishmen so manfully contended in 1688 [note 6, p. 83] were trampled under foot. Similar griev- 
ances concerning the courts of law, existed in otlier colonies, and throughout the Anglo-American 
[note 1, p. 148] domain, there was but a semblance of justice left. The people met in conventions, when 
Assemblies were dissolved, and endeavored to establish "judiciary powers," but in vain, and were 
finally driven to rebellion. 

1. As we have observed in note 5, p. 327, judges were made independent of the people. Royal governors 
were placed in the same position. Instead of checking their tendency to petty tyranny, by having them 
depend upon the colonial Assemblies for their salaries, these were paid out of the national treasury. 
Independent of the people, they had no sympathies with the people, and thus became fit instruments of 
oppression, and ready at all times to do the bidding of the king and his ministers. The Colonial Assem- 
blies protested against the measure, and out of the excitement which it produced, grew that power of 
the Revolution, the committees of correspondence [note 1, p. 171]. When, in 1774, chief justice Oliver, of 
Massachusetts, declared it to be his intention to receive his salary from the crown, the Assembly pro- 
ceeded to impeach him, and petitioned the governor for his removal. The governor refused compliance, 
and great irritation ensued. 

2. After the passage of the Stamp Act, stamp distributers were appointed in every considerable town. 
In 1766 and 1767, acts for the collection of duties created " swarms of officers, " all of whom received 
high salaries ; and when, in 1768, admiralty and vice-admiralty courts were established on a new basis, 
an increase in the number of officers was made. The high salaries and extensive perquisites of all of 
these, were paid with the people's money, and thus " swarms of officers" " eat out their substance." 

3. After the treaty of peace with France, in 1763 [verse 48, p. 155], Great Britain left quite a large 
number of troops in America, and required the colonists to contribute to their support. There was no 
use for this standing army, except to repress the growirig spirit of democracy among the colonists, and 
to enforce compliance with taxation laws. The presence of troops was always a cause of complaint, and 
when, finally, the colonists boldly opposed the unjust measures of the British government, armies were 
sent hither to awe the people into subiuission. It was one of those " standing armies " kept here " with- 
out the consent of the I/Cgislature," against which the patriots at liCxington and Concord [verses 4 
and 5, p. 174], and Bunker Hill [verse 10, p. 176] fo manfully battled in 1775. 

4. General Gage, commander-in-chief of the British forces in America, was appointed governor of 
Massachusetts, in 1774, and to put the measures of the Boston Port Bill [verse 31, p. 170] into execution, 
he encamped several regiments of soldiers upon Boston Common. The military there, and also in New 
York, was made independent of, and superior to, the civil power, and this, too, in a time of peace, 
before the minute men [verse 1, p. 172] were organized. 

5. The establishment of a Board of Trade, to act independent of colonial legislation through its crea- 
tures (resident commissioners of customs) in the enforcement of revenue laws, was altogether foreign to 
the constitution of any of the colonies, and produced great indignation. The establishment of this 
power, and the remodelling of the admiralty courts, so as to exclude trial by jury therein, in most cases, 
rendered the government fully obnoxious to the charge in the text. The people felt their degradation 
under such petty tyranny, and resolved to spurn it. It was effectually done in Boston, as we liave seen 
[verse 20. p. 165], and the government, after all its bluster, was obliged to recede. In 1774, the members 
of the council of Massachusetts (answering to our Senate"), were, by a parliamentary enactment, chosen 
by the king, to hold the office during his pleasure. Almost unlimited power was also given to the gov- 
ernor, and the people were indeed subjected to '' a jurisdiction foreign to their constitution," by these 
creatures of royalty. 

6. In 1774 seven himdred troops were landed in Boston, under cover of the cannons of British armed 
ships in the harbor ; and early the following year, parliament voted ten thousand men for the American 
service, for it saw the wave of rebellion rising high under the gale of indignation which unrighteous 
acts had spread over the land. The tragedies at Lexington and Concord, soon followed, and at Btmker 
Hill, the War for Independence was opened in earnest. 

7. In 1768, two citizens of Annapolis, in Maryland, were murdered by some marines belonging to a 
British armed ship. The trial was a mockery of justice, and in the face of clear evidence against them, 
they were acquitted. In the difficulties with" the Regulators [verse 27, p. 168] in North Carolina, in 1771, 
some of the soldiers who had shot down citizens, when standing up in defence of their rights, were tried 
for murder and acquitted, while governor Tryon mercilessly hung six prisoners, who were certainly en- 
titled to the benefits of the laws of war, if his own soldiers were. 

8. The navigation laws [note 3, p. 135] were always oppressive in character ; and in 1764, the British 
naval commanders having been clothed with the authority of custom house officers, completely broke 



DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 329 

20. For imposing taxes on us without our consent ;' 
. 21. For depriving us, in many cases, of the benelits of trial by jury ;2 

22. For transporting us beyond seas, to be tried for pretended offences ;3 

23. For abolishing the free system of English laws in a neighboring province, 
establishing therein an arbitrary government, and enlarging its boundaries, so as 
to render it at once an example and lit instrument for introducing the same ab- 
solute rule into these colonies ;^ 

24. For taking away our charters, abolishing our most valuable laws, and 
altering, fundamentally, the forms of our governments ;^ 

25. For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested 
with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.^ 

26. He has abdicated government here, by declaring us out of his protection, 
and waging war against us.''' 

27. He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burned our towns, and 
destroyed the hves of our people.'* 

28. He is at this time transporting large armies of foreign mercenaries, to 

up a profitable trade which the colonists had long enjoyed with the Spanish and French West Indies, 
notwithstanding it was in violation of the old Navigation Act of 1660 [note 1, p. 80], which had been 
almost ineflfectual. Finally, lord North concluded to punish the refractory colonists of New England, 
by stopping their commerce [verse 3, p. 173] with Great Britain, Ireland, and the West Indies. FMsh- 
ing on the banks of Newfoundland was also prohibited, and tlius, as far as parliamentary enactments 
could accomplish it, their " trade with all parts of the world " was cut otT. 

1. In addition to the revenue taxes imposed from time to time, and attempted to be collected by 
means of writs of assistance [verse 8, p. 161] the Stamp Act (verse 10, p. 161] was passed, and duties 
upon paper, painters' colors, glass, tea, &c., were levied. This was the great bone of contention between 
the colonists and the imperial government. It was contention on the one hand for the great political 
truth that taxation and representation are inxeparahle, and a lust for power, and the means for replen- 
ishing an exhausted treasury, on the other. The climax of the contention was the Revolution. 

2. This was especially the case, when commissioners of customs were concerned in the suit. After 
these functionaries were driven from Boston in 1768 [verse 20, p. 165], an act was passed which placed 
violations of the revenue laws under the jurisdiction of the admiralty courts, where the offenders were 
tried by a creature of the crown, and were deprived " of the benefits of trial by jury." 

3. A law of 1774 provided that any person in the province of Massachusetts, who should be accused 
of riot, resistance of magistrates or the officers of customs, murder, "or any other capital offence," 
might, at the option of the governor, be taken for trial to another colony, or transported to Great Britain, 
for the purpose. The minister pretended that impartial justice could not be administered in Massachu- 
setts, but the facts of captain Preston's case [verse 25, p. 167], refuted his arguments, in that direction. 
The bill was violently opposed in parliament, yet it became a law It was decreed that Americans 
might be " transported beyond the seas, to be tried for pretended offences," or real crimes. 

4. Thispharge is embodied in an earlier one [verse 6, p. 326], considered in note 3, p. 326. The Brit- 
ish ministry thought it prudent to take early steps to secure a footing in America, so near the scene of 
inevitable rebellion, as to allow them to breast, successfully, the gathering storm. The investing of a 
legislative council in Canada, with all powers except levying of taxes, was a great stride toward that ab- 
solute military rule which bore sway there within eighteen months afterward. Giving up their political 
rights for doubtful religious privileges, made them willing slaves, and Canada remained a part of the 
British empire, when its sister colonies rejoiced in freedom. 

5. This is a reiteration of the charge considered in note 5, p. 327, and refers to the alteration of the Mas- 
sachusetts charter, so as to make judges and other officers independent of the people, snd subservient to the 
crown. The governor was empowered to remove and appoint all inferior judges, the attorney -general, 
provosts, marshals, and justices of the peace, and to appoint sheriffs independent of the council. As 
the sheriffs chose jurors, trial by jury might easily be made a mere mockery. The i)eople had hitherto 
been allowed, by their charter, to select jurors ; now the whole matter was placed in the hands of the 
creatures of government. 

6. This, too, is another phase of the charge just considered. We have noticed the suppression of the 
Legislature of New York (note 3, p. 327], and in several cases, the governors, after dissolving colonial 
Assemblies, assumed the right to make proclamations stand in the place of statute law. Lord Dunniore 
assumed this right in 1775, and so did sir .Tames Wright, of Georgia, and lord William Campbell, of 
South Carolina. They were driven from the coimtry, in consequence. 

7. In his message to parliament early in 1775, the king declared the colonists to be in a state of open 
rebellion, and bysending armies hitherto make war upon them, he really " abdicated government," by 
thus declaringthem " out of his protection." He .sanctioned the acts of governors in employnig the 
Indians against his subjects [note 3, p. 3.30], and himself bargained for the employment of German 
hirelings. And when, yielding to the pressure of popular will, his representatives (the royal governors) 
fled before the indignant people, he certainly " abdicated government." 

8. When naval commanders were clothed with the powers of custom-house officers [note 8, p. 328], they 
seized many American vessels ; and after the affair at Lexington and Bunker Hill, British ships ofwar 
" plundered our seas " whenever an .American vessel could be found. They also " ravaged our coasts and 
burnt our towns " Charlestown [verse 11, p. 1771, Falmouth (now Portland, iu Maine), and Norfolk were 
burnt and Dunmore and others [verse 25, p. 182] " ravaged our coasts," and " destroyed the lives of our 
people " And at the very time when this Declaration was being read to the assembled Congress 
verse 10, p. 187], the shattered fleet of Sir Peter Parker was sailing northward [verbe 8, p. 186], after aa 
attack upon Charleston, Soiith Carolina. 



330 SUPPLEMENT. 

complete the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with cir- 
cumstances of cruelty and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, 
and totally unworthy the head of a civilized nation. ^ 

29. He has constrained our fellow-citizens, taken captive on the high seas, to 
bear arms against their country, to become the executioners of their friends and 
brethren, or to fall themselves by their hands.2 

30. He has excited domestic insurrection among us, and has endeavored to 
bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian savages, whose 
known rule of warfare is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes, and 
conditions.3 

31. In every stage of these oppressions we have petitioned for redress in the 
most humble terms ; our repeated petitions have been answered only by repeated 
injury. A prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may de- 
fine a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people. ■! 

32. Nor have we been wanting in our attentions to our British brethren.' 
We have warned them, from time to time, of attempts by their legislature to 
extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the 
circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to 
their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of 
our common kindred, to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably in- 
terrupt our connections and correspondence. They, too, have been deaf to the 
voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the ne- 
cessity which denounces our separation, and hold them as we hold the rest of 
mankind — enemies in war — in peace, friends. 

33. We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in 
general Congress assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for 
the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name and by the authority of the good 
people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare that these united colonies 
are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States ; that they are ab- 
solved, from all allegiance to the British crown, and that all political connection 
between them and the state of Great Britain, is, and ought to be, totally dis- 
solved, and that, as free and independent States, they have full power to levy 
war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and do all other 
acts and things which independent States may of right do. And for the support 
of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, 
vre mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor. 

1. This charge refers to the infamous employment of German troops, known here as Hessians. See 
verse 2, p. 183. 

2. An act of parliament passed toward the close of December, 1775, authorized the capture of all 
American vessels, and also directed the treatment of the crews of armed vessels to be as slaves and not 
as prisoners of war. They were to be enrolled for " the service of his majesty," and were thus com- 
pelled to fight for the crown, even against their own friends and countrymen. This act was loudly con- 
demned on the floor of parliament, as unworthy of a Christian people, and "a refinement of cruelty 
unknown among savage nations." 

3. This was done in several instances. Dunmore was charged [note 5, p. 178] with a design to em- 
ploy the Indians against the Virginians, as early as 1774 ; and while ravaging tlie Virginia coast in 1775 
and 1776, he endeavored to excite the slaves against their masters. He was also concerned with governor 
Gage and others, under instructions from the British ministry, in exciting the Shaic7iees, and other sav- 
ages of the Ohio country, against the white people. Emissaries were also sent among the Cherokee.i and 
Creeks, for the same purpose, and all of the tribes of the Six Nations, except the Oneidas, were found 
in arms with the British when war began. Thus excited, dreadful massacres occurred on the borders of 
the several colonies. 

4. For ten long years the colonies petitioned for redress of grievances, " in the most humble terms," 
and loyal manner. It was done by the Colonial Congress of 1765 [verse 12, p. 162], and also by the 
Continental Congresses of 1774 [verse 35, p. 171] and 1775 [verse 15, p. 178]. But their petitions "were 
almost always " answered only by repeated injuries." 

5. From the beginning, the colonists appealed, in the most affectionate terms, to " their British breth- 
ren." The first address put forth by the Congress of 1774 [note 2, p. 172] was "To the People of 
Gieat Britain ;" and the Congress of 1775, sent an affectionate appeal to the people of Ireland. 



SIGNERS OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 

The following is a list of the members of the Continental Congress, who signed 
the Declaration of Independence, with the places and dates of their birth 
and the time of their respective deaths. 



NAMES OF THE SIGNERS. 



Adams, John 
Adams, Samuel . 
Bartlett, Josiah . 
Braxton, Carter . 
Carroll Cha's of Car'ltou 
Chase, Samuel 
Clark, Abraham . 
Clymer, George . 
Eliery, William . 
Floyd, William . 
Franklin, Benjamin 
Gerry, Elbridge . 
Gwinnet, Button . 
Hall, Lyman 
Hancock, John . 
Harrison, Benjamin 
Hart, John . 
Heyward, Thomas, jr. 
Hewes, Joseph . 
Hooper, William 
Hopkins, Stephen 
Hopkinson, F'raneis 
Huntington, Samuel 
Jefferson, Thomas 
Lee, Francis Lightfoot 
Lee, Richard Henry 
Ijcwis, Francis . 
Livingston, Philip 
Lynch, Thomas, jr. 
M'Kean, Thomas 
Middleton, Arthur 
Morris, Lewis 
Morris, Robert . 
Morton, John 
Nelson, Thomas, jr. 
Paca, William 
Paine, Robert Treat 
Penn, John . 
Read, George 
Rodney, Caesar . 
Ross, George 
Rush, Benjamin, M.D 
Rutledge, Kdwiird 
Sherman, Roger . 
Smith, James * . 
Stockton, Richard 
Stone, Thomas 
Taylor, George . 
Thornton, Matthew 
Walton, George . 
Whipple, William 
Williams, William 
Wilson, James 
Wilherspoon, John 
Wolcott, Oliver . 
Wythe, George . 



Braintree, Mass., 19th Oct. 
Boston, " 22d Sept. 

Amesbury, " in Nov. 

Newiiigton, Va., 10th Sept. 
Annapolis, Md., 20th Sept. 
Somerset co., Md., 17th April 
Elizabetht'n, N.J. 15th Feb.: 
Philadelphia, Penn., in 
Newport, R. 1., 22d Dec. 
Suffolk CO., N. Y., 17th Dec. 
Boston, Mass., 17th Jan. 
Marblehead, Mass., 17th Jul. : 
England, in 

Connecticut, in 

Braintree, Mass., in 

Berkely, Virginia, 
Hopewell, N. J., 
St. Luke's, SC, 
Kingston, N. J., 
Boston, Mass., 
Scituate, " 
Philadelphia, Penn., 
Windham, Conn., 3d July 
Shadwell, Va., 13th Aprfl 
Stratford, " 
Stratford, " 
Landaff, Wales 
Albany, N. ¥., 
St. George's, S. C, 5th Aug 
Chester co., Pa., 19th Mar. 
Middleton Place, 
Morrisania, N. Y. 
Lancashire, England, Jan 
Ridley, Penn., 
York, Virginia, 
Wye-Hill, Md., 
Boston, Mass., in 

Caroline co., Va., 17th May 
Cecil CO., Md., in 

Dover, Delaware, in 

New Castle, Del., in 

Byberry, Penn., 24th Dec. 
Charleston S. C, in Nov. 
Newton, Mass., 19th April 
Ireland, 

Princeton, N. J., 
Charles co., Md., 
Ireland, 
Ireland, 

Frederick co., Va, 
Kittery, Maine, 
Lebanon, Conn., 
S'!otland, 
Yester, Scotland, 
Windsor, Conn., 



about 



17th June 
7th Mar. 



14ih Oct. 
20th Jan. 
in March 
15th Jan 



S. C, in 



26th Dec. 
31st Oct. 



1st Oct. 



8th April 

about 

5th Fob. 

261 h Nov. 



Elizabeth city co., Va., 



1715 
1746 
1730 
1742 
1707 
17.37 
1732 
1743 
1734 
1732 
1713 
1716 
1749 
1734 
1743 
1726 
1733 
1724 
1738 
1740 
1731 
1741 
1734 
1730 
1730 
1745 
1749 
1721 

1730 
1742 
1716 
1714 
1740 
1730 
1731 
1742 
1722 
1726 
1726 



DELEGATE FROM 



Massachusetts, 

Massachus^etts, 

New Hampshire, 

Virginia, 

Maryland, 

Maryland, 

New Jersey, 

Pennsylvania, 

R. I. A Prov. PI. 

New York, 

Pennsylvania, 

Massachusetts, 

Georgia, 

lieorgia, 

Massachusetts, 

Virginia, 

New Jersey. 

South Carolma, 

North (Carolina, 

North Carolina, 

R. I. & Prov. PI. 

New Jersey, 

Connecticut, 

Virginia, 

Virginia, 

Virginia, 

New York, 

New York, 

South Carolina, 

Delaware, 

South Carolina, 

New York, 

Pennsylvania, 

Pennsylvania, 

Virginia, 

Maryland, 

Massachusetts, 

North Carolina, 

Delaware, 

Delaware, 

Pennsylvania, 

Pennsylvania, 

South Carolina, 

Connecticut, 

Pennsylvania, 

New Jersey, 

Maryland, 

Pennsylvania, 

New Hampshire, 

Georgia, 

New Hampshire, 

Connecticut, 

Pennsylvania, 

New Jersey, 

(-onnecticut, 

Virginia, 



4th Jnly, 
2d Oct., 
19th May, 
10th Oct., 
14th Nov., 
19th June, 

June, 

24th Jan., 
15ih Feb., 

4th Aug., 
17th April, 
Z'A Nov., 
27th .May, 
Feb., 

8ih Oct., 

.\piil, 

Mar.,' 

10th Nov., 

Oct., 

19ih July, 
9!h May, 
5th Jan., 
4th July, 

April, 

19ih June, 
3i)ili Dec, 
12th June, 
lo.^t at sea, 
24th June, 
1st Jan., 
22d Jan., 
8th May, 

April, 

4th Jan., 

llihMay,' 
Sept., 



Julv, 

19th April, 
23d Jan., 
23d July, 
nth July, 
28th Feb., 

5th Oct , 
2.3(1 Feb., 
24th June, 

2d Feb., 
2Sth Nov., 

2d Aug., 
2Sth Aug., 
15th Nov., 

1st Dec, 

8th June, 



1826 
1803 
1795 
1797 
IKiJ 
1811 
1794 
1813 
1820 
1821 
1790 
1814 
1777 
1790 
1793 
1791 
1780 
1809 
1779 
1790 
1785 
1790 
1796 
1826 
1797 
1194 
lb03 
1778 
1779 
1817 
1787 
1798 
1806 
1777 
1789 
1799 
1814 
1788 
1798 
17.S3 
1779 
1813 
1800 
1793 
1806 
1781 
1787 
1781 
180;5 
1804 
1785 
IHl 
1798 
1794 
1797 
1806 



Among the signers of the Declaration of Independence, were men engaged 
in almost every vocation. There were twenty-four lainjers ; fourteen fanntrs, 
or men devoted chiefly to agriculture; nine merchants; four physic iaiis; one 
gospel minister, and three who were educated for tliat profession, but chose 
other avocations ; and one manufacturer. A large portion of them lived to the 
age of three score and ten years.' Three of them were over 90 years of age when 
they died; ten over 80; eleven over 70; fourteen over 60; eleven over 50 ; 
and six over 44. Mr. Lynch (lost at sea) was only 30. The aggregate years of 
life of the fifty-six patriots, were 3,687 years. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 



Objects. "VVe, the people of the United States, in order to form a more 

perfect union, estabhsh justice, insure domestic tranquillity, 
provide for the common defence, promote the general wel- 
fare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our 
posterity, do ordain and establish this constitution for the 
United States of America. 

ARTICLE I. 

Legislative powers. SECTION 1. All legislative powers herein granted, shaU be 
vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist 
of a senate and house of representatives.^ 

House of Represent- SECTION 2. The house of representatives shall be composed 
a ives. ^^ members chosen every second year by the people of the several 

States, and the electors in each State shall have the qualifica- 
tions requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the 
state legislature. 

Qualification of Rep- No person shall be a representative who shall not have at- 
tained to the age of twenty-five years, and been seven years a 
citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, 
be an inhabitant of that state in which he shall be chosen. 

Apportionment of Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned among 
the several states which may be included within this Union, 
according to their respective numbers, 2 which shall be deter- 
mined by adding to the whole number of free persons, includ- 
ing those bound to servitude for a term of years, and excluding 
Indians not taxed, three-fifths of all other persons.^ The actual 
enumeration shaU be made within three years after the first 
meeting of the Congress of the United States, an d_ within every 
subsequent term of ten years, in such manner as they shall 
by law direct. The number of representatives shall not exceed 
one for every thirty thousand,^ but each State shah have 
at least one representative ; and until such enumeration shall 
be made, the State of New Hampshire shall be entitled to 
choose three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode Island and Providence 
Plantations one, Connecticut five, New York six. New Jersey 
four, Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Vir- 
ginia ten. North Carolina five, South Carolina five, and Georgia 
three. 

Vacancies how filled. When vacancies happen in the representation from any 
state, the executive autiiority thereof shall issue writs of elec- 
tion to fill such vacancies. 

1. Note 2, p. 315. 

2. This was not intended to restrict the power of imposing direct taxes, to States only. 

3. Slaves. For every five slaves, their owner is allowed to cast three votes, at any election. 

4. Note 2, p. 315. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 333 

The House of Representatives shall choose their speaker and Speaker, how ap- 
other officers ; and shall have the sole power of impeach- po'^ted. 
ment. 

Section 3. The Senate of the United States shall be com- Namber of senators 
posed of two senators from each state, chosen by the legisla- '°°^ ^**^ *'"'*■ 
ture thereof, for six years ; and each senator shall have one 
vote. 1 

Immediately after they shall be assembled in consequence of ciassiGcationofSen- 
the first election, they shall be divided as equally as may bo *^*"^^' 

into three classes. The seats of the senators of the first class 
shall be vacated at the expiration of the second year, of the 
second class at the expiration of the fourth year, and of the 
third class at the expiration of the sixth year, so that one-tliird 
may be chosen every second year ; and if vacancies happen by 
resignation, or otherwise, during the recess of the legislature of 
any state, the executive thereof may make temporary appoint- 
ments until the next meeting of the legislature, which shall 
then fill such vacancies. 

No person shall be a senator who shall not have attained to Qualification of sen- 
the age of thirty years, and been nine years a citizen of the *'""• 

United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an inhabit- 
ant of that state for which he shall be chosen. 

The vice-president of the United States shall be president of Presiding officer of 
the Senate, but shall have no vote, unless they be equally di- ^^® senate, 
vided. 

The Senate shall choose their other officers, and also a pres- 
ident pro tempore, in the absence of the vice-president, or when 
he shall exercise the office of president of the United States. 

The Senate shall have the sole power to try all impeach- ^^.;|?°**®i a conrt for 
ments : When sitting for that purpose, they shall be on oath or Jents. ° '™p^^^ 
affirmation. When the president of the United States is 
tried, the chief-justice'^ shall preside; and no person shall be 
competed without the concurrence of two-thirds of the mem- 
bers present. 

Judgment in cases of impeachment shall not extend further judgment, in case of 
than to removal from office, and disqualification to hold and en- convictiou. 
joy any office of honor, trust or profit under the United 
States; but the party convicted shall nevertheless be liable 
and subject to indictment, trial, judgment and punishment, ac- 
cording to law. 

Section 4. The times, places and manner of holding elec- Elections of senat- 
tions for senators and representatives, shall be prescribed in ^"^.g"'^ representa- 
each state by the legislature thereof; but the Congress may at 
any time, by law, make or alter such regulations, except as to 
the places of choosing senators. 

The Congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and Meeting of Confess, 
such meetmg shall be on the first Monday in December, unless 
they shall by law appoint a diSerent day. 

Section 5. Each house shall be the judge of the elections, re- ^'^^^g*^^^" "^ 
turns and qualifications of its own members, and a majority of 
each shall constitute a quorum to do business ; but a smaller 
number may adjourn from day to day, and may bo authorized 



1. See art. v., clause 1, p. 340. 2. Verse 3, p. 245. 



334 



SUPPLEMENT. 



Rules of proceeding. 



Journal of Congress. 



Adjournment of 
Congress. 



Compensation and 
privileges of mem- 
bers. 



Plurality of ofiBces 
prohibited. 



Bills, how origin- 
ated. 



How bills become 
laws. 



Approval and veto 
powers of president. 



to compel the attendance of absent members, in such manner, 
and under such penalties as each house may provide. 

Each house may determine the rules of its proceedings, pun- 
ish its members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concur- 
rence of two-thirds, expel a member. 

Each house shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and from 
time to time pubhsh the same, excepting such parts as may. in 
their judgment, require secresy ; and the yeas and nays of the 
members of either house on any question shall, at the desire of 
one-fifth of those present, be entered on the journal. 

!N'either house, during the session of Congress, shall, without 
the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor 
to any other place than that in which the two houses shall be 
sitting. 

Sectiox 6. The senators and representatives shall receive a 
compensation for their services, to be ascertained by law, and 
paid out of the treasury of the United States. They shall, in 
all cases, except treason, felony and breach of the peace, be priv- 
ileged from arrest during their attendance at the session of their 
respective houses, and in going to and returning from the same ; 
and for any speech or debate in either house, they shall not be 
questioned in any other place. 

Xo senator or representative shall, during the time for which 
he was elected, be appointed to any civil ofltice under the 
authority of the United States, which shall have been created, 
or the emoluments whereof shall have been increased during 
such time : and no person holding any office under the United 
States, shall be a member of either house during his continu- 
ance in office. 

Section T. All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the 
House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or con- 
cur with amendments, as on other bills. 

Every bill wliich shall have passed the House of Represen- 
tatives and the Senate, shall, before it become a law. be presented 
to the president of the United States : if he approve he shall sign 
it, but if not he shall return it, with his objections, to that house 
in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the objections 
at large on their journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If after 
such reconsideration, two-thirds of that house shall agree to 
pass the bill, it shall be sent, together with the objections, to 
the other house, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, 
and if approved by two-thirds of that house, it shall become a 
law.i But in all such cases, the votes of both houses shall be 
determined by yeas and nays, and the names of the persons 
voting for and against the bill, shall be entered on the journal 
of each house respectively. If any bill shall not be returned by 
the president within ten days (Sunday excepted) after it shall 
have been presented to him. the same shall be a law, in like 
manner as if he had signed it, unless the Congress by their ad- 
journment prevent its return, in which case it shall not be a law.- 

Every order, resolution or vote to which the concurrence of 
the Senate and House of Representatives maybe necessary (ex- 



1. Verse 4, p. 287. 



2, Verse 15. p. 291. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 335 

cept on a question of adjournment) shall be presented to 
the president of the United States ; and before the same shall 
take effect, shall be approved by him, or being disapproved by 
him, shall be repassed by two-thirds of the Senate and House 
of Representatives, according to the rules and limitations pre- 
scribed in the case of a bill. 

Section 8. The Congress shall have power to lay and collect Powers Tested in 
taxes, ^ duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide Congress, 
for the common defence and general welfare of the United 
States; but all duties, imposts and excises shall bo uniform 
throughout the United States ; 

To borrow money on the credit of the United States; 

To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the 
several states, and with the Indian tribes ;2 

To estabhsh an uniform rule of naturalization, 3 and uniform 
laws on the subject of bankruptcies * throughout the United 
States ; 

To coin money, 5 regulate the value thereof^ and of foreign 
coin, and fix the standard of weights and measures ; 

To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securities 
and current coin of the United States ; 

To establish post-oflBces and post-roads ; 

To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by secur- 
ing, for limited times, to authors and inventors, the exclusive 
right to their respective writings and discoveries ;S 

To constitute tribunals inferior to the supreme court ; 

To define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the 
high seas, and ofiences against the law of nations ;'' 

To declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal,*^ and 
make rules concerning captures on land and water; 

To raise and support armies, but no appropriation of money 
to that use shall be for a longer term than two years ; 

To provide and maintain a navy ; 

To make rules for the government and regulation of the land 
and naval forces ; 

To provide for calling forth the militia^ to execute the laws 
of the Union, suppress insurrections and repel invasions; 

To provide for organizing, arming and disciplining the mil- 
itia, and for governing such part of them as may be employed 
in the service of the United States, reserving to the states re- 
spectively, the appointment of the officers, and the authority of 
training the militia according to the discipline prescribed by 
Congress; I" 



1. The power of Coneress to lay and coUert taxes, du(ie.<!, &c., extends to the District of Oolnmbia, 
and to the Territories of tlie United States, as well as to the States ; but Congress is not bound to ex- 
tend a direct tax to the district and territories. 

2 Note 2 p 23 

3'. Under 'the Constitution of the United States, the power of naturalization is exclusively in Conpress. 

4. Since the adoption of the Constitution of the United States, a state has authority to pas.s a bankrupt 
law, provided such law does not impair the obligations of contracts within the meaning of the Constitu- 
tion (art i., sect. 10), and provided there be no act of Congress iu force to establish a uniform system of 
l»ankruptcy conflicting with such law. 

6. The'firi wpyright law was enacted in 1790, on the petition of David Ramsay, the historian, and 

°*7.^ Congress has power to provide for the punishment of offences committed by persons on board a 

ship-of-war of the United States, wherever that ship may he. ^™.„,„ „^ a „ <u-? 

8. Licensing privateers. Note 4, p. 183. 9. Note 7, p. 141. 10. See amendments, art. 11., p. 34Z 



336 SUPPLEMENT. 

To exercise exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever, over 
such district (not exceeding ten miles square) as may, by ces- 
sion of particular states and the acceptance of Congress, become 
the seat of the government of the United States,^ and to exer- 
cise like authority over all places purchased by the consent of 
the legislature of the state in which the same shall be, for the 
erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, dockyards, and other 
needful buildings ; — And 

To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for 
carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other 
powers vested by this constitution in the government of tho 
United States, or in any department or officer thereof 

immigrants^how ad- SECTION 9. The migration or importation of such persons as 
any of the states now existing shall think proper to admit, 
shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the year one 
thousand eight hundred and eight, but a tax or duty may be 
imposed on such importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each 
person.2 
Habeas Corpus. The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus^ shall not be sus- 
pended, unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the pubhc 
safety may require it. 
Attainder. jq"o bill of attainder* or ex post flicto law^ shall be passed. 

Taxes. No Capitation, or other direct tax, shall be laid, unless in 

proportion to tho census or enumeration hereinbefore directed 
to be taken. 

No tax or duty shall be laid on articles exported from any 
state. 

^^^"'iui'd'utie^s^'^^" "^^ preference shall be given by any regulation of commerce 
or revenue to the ports of one state over those of another : nor 
shall vessels bound to, or from, one state, be obhged to enter, 
clear, or pay duties in another. 

Money, how drawn. js^q money shall be drawn from the treasury, but in conse- 
quence of appropriations made by law ; and a regular state- 
ment and account of the receipts and expenditures of all public 
money shall be published from time to time. 

'^''^^' hibS"^^'"''' ^o *i*^® o^ nobUity shall be granted by the United States: 
And no person holding any office of profit or trust under them, 
shall, without the consent of the Congress, accept of any pres- 
ent, emolument, office, or title, of any kind whatever, from any 
king, prince, or foreign state. ^ 

Powers gO^f^^tate de- SECTION 10. No State shall enter into any treaty, alliance, or 
confederation; grant letters of marque and reprisal ; coin money; 
emit bills of credit ; make anything but gold and silver coin a 
tender in payment of debts ; pass any bill of attainder, ex post 
facto law, or law impairing the obligation of contracts, or grant 
any title of nobility. 



1. Congress has authority to impose a direct tax on the District of Columbia [note 3, p. 252], in pro- 
portion to the census directed to be taken by the Constitution. 

2. This was a provision for tho gradual extinction of the slave trade carried on between Africa and 
the United States. 

3. A writ for delivering a person from false imprisonment, or for removing a person from one court to 
another. 

4. A deprivation of power to inherit or transmit property, a loss of civil rights, &c. 
6. Declaring an act penal or criminal, which was innocent when committed. 

6. Note 3, p. 196. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 307 

No state shall, without the consent of the Congress, lay any 
impost or duties on imports or exports, except what may be 
absolutely necessary for executing its inspection laws ; and the 
net produce of all duties and impost, laid by any state on im- 
ports or exports, shall be for the use of the treasury of the Uni- 
ted States ; and all such laws shall be subject to the revision 
and control of the Congress. 

No state shall, without the consent of Congress, lay any 

duty of tonnage, keep troops, or ships-of-war in time of peace, 

enter into any agreement or compact with another state, or 

■^'t^ a foreign power, or engage in war, unless actually invad- 

in such imminent danger as will not admit of delay. 

ARTICLE 11. 

isCTiON 1. The executive power shall be vested in a presi- Executive power, in 
dent of the United States of America, He shall hold his office ^ om ves e . 
during the term of four years, and, together with the vice-presi- 
dent, chosen for the same term, be elected as follows : 

Each state shall appoint in such manner as the legislature P""<l^o*i*l «!««*<>"• 
thereof may direct, a number of electors, equal to the whole 
number of senators and representatives to wWch the State may 
be entitled in the Congress : but no senator or representative, 
or person holding an office of trust or profit under the United 
States, shall be appointed an elector. ^ 

[The electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by President and vice- 

T)r6Sl(l6Ilt llOW 

ballot for two persons, of whom one at least shall not be an in- elected. ' 
habitant of the same state with themselves. And they shall 
make a list of all the persons voted for, and of the number of 
votes for each ; which hst they shall sign and certify, and trans- 
mit sealed to the seat of the government of the United States, 
directed to the president of the Senate. The president of the 
Senate shall in the presence of the Senate and House of Repre- 
sentatives open all the certificates, and the votes shall then be 
counted. The person having the greatest number of votes shall 
be the president, if such number be a majority of the whole 
number of electors appointed ; and if there be more than one 
who have such majority, and have an equal number of votes, 
then the House of Representatives shall immediately choose by 
ballot one of them for president ; and if no person have a ma- 
jority, then from the five highest on the list the said house shall 
in like manner choose the president. But in choosing the pres- 
ident, the votes shall be taken by states, the representation 
from each state having one vote; a quorum for this purpose 
shall consist of a member or members from two- thirds of the 
states, and a majority of all the states shall be necessary to a 
choice. In every case, after the choice of the president, the 
person having the greatest number of votes of the electors shall 
be the vice-president. But if there should remain two or more 
who have equal votes, the Senate shall choose from them, by 
ballot, the vice-president], 2 

1. See amendment, article xii, p. 343. 

2. This clause is annulled. See Amendments, article xii.. p. 343. Also note 6, p. 252. 

15 



338 SUPPLEMENT. 

"^""^ efe^cto?s°°'"*^ '^^^ Congress may determine the time of choosing the elect- 
ors, and the day on which they shall give their votes ; which 
day shall be the same throughout the United States.' 

Qualifications of the -^q person except a natural born citizen, or a citizen of the 
United States, at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, 
shall be ehgible to the office of president ; neither shall any per- 
son be ehgible to that office who shall not have attained to the 
age of thirty-five years, and been fourteen years resident within 
the United States. 

^""diiabUity!**^^" ^^ c^s® of *^® removal of the president from office, or of his 
death, resignation, or inabihty to discharge the powers and du- 
ties of the said office, the same shall devolve on the vice-presi- 
dent,2 and the Congress may, by law, provide for the case of re- 
moval, death, resignation or inability, both of the president and 
vice-president, declaring what officer shall then act as president, 
and such officer shall act accordingly, until the disability be re- 
moved, or a president shall be elected. 

Salary of the presi- The president shall, at stated times, receive for his services, a 
compensation, which shall neither be increased nor diminished 
during the period for which he shall have been elected, and he 
shall not receive within that period any other emolument from 
the United States, or any of them. 3 
Oath of office. Before he enter on the execution of his office, he shall take 

the following oath or affirmation: — "I do solemnly swear (or 
affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of president of 
the United States, and wUl to the best of my ability, preserve, 
protect and defend the constitution of the United States." 

Duties of^he presi- SECTION 2. The president shall be commander-in-chief of the 
army and navy of the United States, and of the militia of the 
several states, when called into the actual service of the United 
States ; he may require the opinion in writing, of the principal 
officer in each of the executive departments, upon any subject 
relating to the duties of their respective offices, ^ and he shall 
have power to grant reprieves and pardons for offences against 
the United States, except in cases of impeachment. 

^treat^Is^'^ ^ap^^nt ^® ^^^^ have powcr, by and with the advice and consent of 
ambassadors, the Senate, to make treaties, provided two-thirds of the senators 
judges, Ac. present concur ;^ and he shall nominate, and by and with the ad- 

vice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint ambassadors, other 
public ministers and consuls, judges of the supreme court, and 
all other officers of the United States, whose appointments are 
not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be estab- 
lished by law : but the Congress may by law vest the appoint- 
ment of such inferior officers, as they think proper, in the presi- 
dent alone, in the courts of law, or in the heads of departments.^ 

May fill vacancies. The president shall have power to fill up all vacancies that 
may happen during the recess of the Senate, by granting com- 
missions wliich shall expire at the end of their next session. 

Power to convene SECTION 3. He shall from time to time give to the Congress 
ngres*. information of the state of the Union, and recommend to their 

1. Now the first Tuesday in November. 

2. Verse 3, p. 295, and verse 6, p. 311. 

3. The salary of the president of the United States is twenty -five thousand dollars a year. 

4. Verse 2, p. 245. 6. Verse 13, p. 249. 6. Verse 2, p. 245. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 339 

consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and 
expedient ; he may, on extraordinary occasions, convene both 
houses, or either of them, 'and in case of disagreement between 
them, with respect to the time of adjournment, he may adjourn 
them to such time as he shall think proper ; he shall receive am- 
bassadors and other pubhc ministers ; he shall take care that 
the laws be faithfully executed, and shall commission all the 
officers of the United States. 

Section 4. The president, vice-president and all civil officers How officers may b« 
of the United States, shall be removed from office on impeach- removed, 
ment for, and conviction o€, treason, bribery or other high 
crimes and misdemeanors. 

ARTICLE UL 

Section I. The judicial power of the United States, shall be "^°*^'^'*^'eP[*J5*'' ^'^'^ 
vested in one supreme court, and in such inferior courts as the 
Congress may from time to time ordain and estabhsh.2 The 
judges both of the supreme and inferior courts, shall hold their 
offices during good behavior, and shall, at stated times, receive 
for their services, a compensation, which shall not be dimin- 
ished during their continuance in office. 

Section 2. The judicial power shall extend to all cases, in To what^c^Mes it ex- 
law and equity, arising under this Constitution, the laws of the 
United States, and treaties made, or which shall be made, 
under their authority; — to all cases affecting ambassadors, 
other public ministers and consuls ; — to all cases of admiralty 
and maritime jurisdiction ; — to controversies to which the 
United States shall be a party ; — to controversies between two 
or more states ; — between a state and citizens of another state ; 
— between citizens of different states; 3 — between citizens of 
the same state claiming lands under grants of different states, 
and between a state, or the citizens thereof, and foreign states, 
citizens or subjects. 

In all cases affecting ambassadors, other pubUc ministers and '^°ga*^**'^e'court'** 
consuls, and those in which a state shall be party, the supreme °^' 
court shall have original jurisdiction. In all the other cases 
before mentioned, the supreme court shall have appellate juris- 
diction, both as to law and fact, with such exceptions, and 
under such regulations as the Congress shall make. 

The trial of all crimes, except in cases of impeachment, shall ^^^^ triai?**'*^^ 
be by jury ; and such trial shall be held in the State where the 
said crimes shall have been committed ; but when not commit- 
ted within any state, the trial shaU be at such place or places 
as the Congress may by law have directed.* 

Section 3. Treason against the United States, shall consist Treason defined, 
only in levying war against them, or in adhering to their ene- 
mies, giving them aid and comfort. 

No person shall be convicted of treason, unless on the testi- 
mony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession 
in open court. 

1. Verse 4, p. 292, and verse 2, p. 295. 

2. Verse 3, p. 245. r . /^ ^^ 

3. A citizen of the District of Columbia is not a citizen of a state within the meaning of the Consutu- 
tion of the United States. 

4. See Amendments, article vi., p. 342. 



340 SUPPLEMENT. 

How punished. The Congress shall have power to declare the punishment of 
treason, but no attainder of treason shall work corruption of 
blood, or forfeiture, except during the life of the person attainted.^ 

ARTICLE lY. 

Rights^^stateide- SECTION 1. Full faith and credit shall be given in each state 
to the pubhc acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every 
other state.2 And the Congress may by general laws prescribe 
the manner in which such acts, records and proceedings shall 
be proved, and the efifect thereof. 

Privileges of citizens. SECTION 2. The citizens of each state shall be entitled to all 
privileges and immunities of citizens in the several states. 
Executive^requi- ^ person charged in any state with treason, felony, or other 
crime, who shall flee from justice, and be found in another 
state, shall, on demand of the executive authority of the state 
from which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the state 
having jurisdiction of the crime. 

^Tice^rlabM^^'^' ^^ person held to service or labor in one state, under the 
laws thereof, escaping into another, shall, in consequence of 
any law or regulation therein, be discharged from such service 
or labor, but shall be delivered up on claim of the party to 
whom such service or labor may be due.3 

fbrmedlS^^ttel. SECTION 3. New States maybe admitted by the Congress 
* into this Union, but no new state shall be formed or erected 
within the jurisdiction of any other state, nor any state be formed 
by the junction of two or more states, or parts of states, 
without the consent of the Legislatures of the states con- 
cerned, as weU as of the Congress. 

^ovlr public °afdf^ ^^® Congress shall have power to dispose of and make all 
needful rules and regulations respecting the territory or other 
property belonging to the United States, and nothing in this 
Constitution shall be so construed as to prejudice any claims of 
the United States, or of any particular state. 

^^^^^I'l^J'JV^r' Section 4. The United States shall guaranty to every state 

ment guarantied. . ,, . -^ . i t /. r> ^ "l i i n 

m this Union, a republican form of government, and shall pro- 
tect each of them against invasion, and on application of the 
legislature, or of the executive (when the legislature cannot be 
convened), against domestic violence. 

ARTICLE Y. 

^°*1,e*amended^ *° . ^® Congress, whenever two-thirds of both houses shall deem 
it necessary, shall propose amendments to this Constitution, or, 
on the application of the legislatures of two-thirds of the sev- 
eral states, shall call a convention for proposing amendments, 
which, in either case, shall be vaUd to all intents and purposes, 
as part of this Constitution, when ratified by the legislatures 
of three-fourths of the several states, or by conventions in 
three-fourths thereof, as the one or the other mode of ratifica- 



1. Note 4. p. 336. 

2. A judgment of a State court has the same credit, validity, and effect, in every other court within 
the United States, which it had in the court where it was rendered ; and whatever pleas would be good 
to a suit thereon in such State, and none others, can be pleaded in any other court within the United States. 

3. This is the clause of the Constitution, on which is based the provisions of the Fugitive Slave law of 
1860. Verse 5, p. 311, and note 7, p. 311. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 



341 



tion may be proposed by the Congress, provided that no amend- 
ment which may be made prior to the year one thousand eight 
hundred and eight, shall in any manner aflFect the first and fourth 
clauses in the ninth section of the first article, and that no state 
without its consent, shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in 
the Senate.* 

ARTICLE VI. 

All debts contracted and engagements entered into, before Validity of debts 
the adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the recognize . 
United States under this Constitution, as under the confederation. 

This Constitution, and the laws of the United States which ^"^^nd difiTe/ ^*** 
shall be made in pursuance thereof, and all treaties made, or 
which shall be made under the authority of the United States, 
shall be the supreme law of the land, and the judges in every 
state shall be bound thereby, anything in the constitution and 
laws of any State to the contrary notwithstanding. 

The senators and representatives before mentioned, and the i^*e^ Mdfor what 
members of the several state legislatures, and all executive and 
judicial officers, both of the United States and of the several 
states, shall be bound by oath or affirmation, to support this 
Constitution, but no religious test shall ever be required as a 
qualification to any office or public trust under the United 
States. 

ARTICLE Vn. 

The ratification of the conventions of nine states shall be 
sufficient for the establishment of this Constitution between the 
states so ratifying the same. 

Done in convention by the unanimous consent of the States 
present, the seventeenth day of September, in the year of our 
Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-seven, and of 
the independence of the United States of America the twelfth.2 
In witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names. 

George Washington, 
President, and deputy from Virginia. 



Ratification. 



NEW HAMPSHIRE. 

John Langdon, 
Nicholas Gilman. 

MASSACHUSETTS. 
Nathaniel Gorham, 
Burrs King. 

CONNECTICUT. 

William Sam'l Johnson, 
BoGEB Sherman. 

NEW YORK. 

Alexander Hamilton. 

NEW JERSEY. 

William Livingston, 
David Brearlet, 
William Patebson, 
Jonathan Datton. 

Attest: 



PENNSYLVANIA. 

Benjamin Franklin, 
Thomas Mifflin, 
Robert Morris, 
George Clymer, 
Thomas Fitzsimons, 
Jared Ingersoll, 
James Wilson, 
gouverneub mobbis. 

DELAWARE. 



George Reed, 
Gunning Bedford, jr 
John Dickinson, 
Richard Bassett, 
Jacob Broom. 

MARYLAND. 
James M'Henrt, [iter, 
Daniel of St. Tho. Jen- 
Daniel Carroll. 

"William Jackson, Secretary. 



VIRGINIA. 

John Blair, 
James Madison, jr. 

NORTH CAROLINA. 
William Blount, 
Richard Dobbs Spaight, 
Hugh Williamson, 

SOUTH CAROLINA. 
John Rutledge, 
Charles C. Pincknbt, 
Charles Pincknet, 
Pierce Butler. 

GEORGIA. 
William Few, 
Abraham Baldwix. 



1, See ante art. 1, sec. 3, clause 1, p. 333. 



2. Verse 9, p. 242. 



342 



SUPPLEMENT. 



AMENDMENTS 



Freedom in religion 
and speech, Bnd 
of the press. 



Militia. 



Soldiers. 



Search-warrants. 



Capital crimes. 



Trial by jury. 



Suits at common law 



Bail. 



Certain rights de- 
fined. 



TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES, RATIFIED AC- 
CORDING TO THE PROVISIONS OP THE FIFTH ARTICLE OP THE 
FOREGOING CONSTITUTION. 

Article the first. Congress shall make no law respecting 
an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise 
thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or 
the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition 
the government for redress of grievances. 

Article the second. A well-regulated mihtia being neces- 
sary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to 
keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. 

Article the third. No soldier shall, in time of peace, be 
quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor 
in a time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law. 

Article the fourth. The right of the people to be secure in 
their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable 
searches and seizures shall not be violated, and no warrants 
shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or af- 
firmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, 
and the persons or things to be seized. 

Article the fifth. No person shall be held to answer for a 
capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment 
or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the 
land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in 
time of war and public danger ; nor shall any person be subject 
for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb ; 
nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness 
against himself, nor to be deprived of life, liberty, or property, 
without due process of law, nor shall private property be 
taken for public use, without just compensation. 

Article the sixth. In all criminal prosecutions, the accused 
shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impar- 
tial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have 
been committed, which district shall have been previously as- 
certained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause 
of the accusation ; to be confronted with the witnesses against 
him ; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his 
favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defence. 

Article the seventh. In suits at common law, where the 
value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of 
trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, 
shall be otherwise re-examined in any court of the United 
States, than according to the rules of common law. 

Article the eighth. Excessive bail shall not be required, 
nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments 
inflicted. 

Article the ninth. The emuneration in the Constitution, 



1. Congress, at its first session, begun and held in the city of New York, on Wednesday, the 4th of 
March, 1789, proposed to the legislatures of the several states, twelve amendments to the Constitution, 
t«n of which, only, were adopted. The others hare since been adopted. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 843 

of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage 
others retained by the people. 

Article the tenth. The powers not delegated to the Uni- Rights reserved, 
ted States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the 
States, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people. 

Article the eleventh. ^ The judicial power of the United Judicial power lim- 
States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or '^^'^* 

equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the United 
States by citizens of another state, or by citizens or subjects of 
any foreign state. 

Article the twelpth.2 The electors shall meet in their re- Amendment respect- 
spective states, and vote by ballot for president and vice-presi- p°fsident »nd vIcV 
dent, one of whom, at least, shall not be an inhabitant of the president. 
same state with themselves ; they shall name in their ballots the 
person voted for as president, and in distinct ballots the person 
voted for as vice-president, and they shall make distinct lists of 
all persons voted for as president, and of all persons voted for 
as vice-president, and of the number of votes for each, which 
lists they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the seat 
of government of the United States, directed to the president 
of the Senate ; the president of the Senate shall, in the presence 
of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the cer- 
tificates, and the votes shall then be counted ; — the person hav- 
ing the greatest number of votes for president, shall be the 
president, if such number be a majority of the whole number of 
electors appointed, and if no person have such majority, then 
from the persons having the highest numbers not exceeding 
three on the list of those voted for as president, the House of 
Representatives shall choose immediately, by ballot, the presi- 
dent. But in choosing the president, the votes shall be taken 
by States, the representation from each state having one vote ; 
a quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or members 
from two-thirds of the states, and the majority of all the states 
shall be necessary to a choice. And if the House of Representa- 
tives shall not choose a president whenever the right of choice 
shall devolve upon them, before the fourth day of March next 
following, then the vice-president shall act as president, as in 
the case of the death or other constitutional disability of the 
president. The person having the greatest number of votes as 
vice-president, shall be the vice-president, if such number bo a 
majority of the whole number of electors appointed, and if no 
person have a majority, then from the two highest numbers on 
the list, the Senate shall choose the vice-president ; a quorum 
for the purpose shall consist of two-thirds of the whole number 
of senators, and a majority of the whole number shall be neces- 
sary to a choice. But no person constitutionally ineligible to 
the office of president, shall be eligible to that of vice-president 
of the United States.^ 



1. This amendment was proposed at the first session of the third Congress. See ante, art. lil., sec. 2, 
clause 1, page 339. ., , , „ „~, 

2. Proposed at the first Bession of the eighth Congress. See ante, art. li., sec. 1, clause 3, page 357. 

3. Another amendment was proposed as article xiii., at the second session of the eleventh Congress, 
but not having been ratified by a sufficient number of states, has not yet become valid as a part of the 
Conatitiition of the United States. 



t 05 



"BOOK-KEEPING NO BUGBEAR!" 



Now ready y 168 pages, royal 12mo. Price, 75 (XtUs. 

THE RUDIMENTS OF BOOK-KEEPING : for Schools, 
Counting-houses, and Self-instruction ; with an Address 
to Students on the Essentials to Success in Mercantile 
Pursuits. By James Nixon, Consulting Accountant and 
Commercial Teacher. Published by F. J. Huntington & 
Mason Brothers, 23 Park Row, New York. 1854. 



\* " For clearness and simplicity of Rules, variety of Illustration, excellence of Arrange- 
ment, and skilful gradation of Exercises, this work is one of the best that has ever come 
under our critical or personal inspection." — MercairiUe Journal. 



BooK-KEEPiNa is commonly taught as if it were a species of 
sleight of hand, — a happy piece of conjuration, — rules are substi- 
tuted for reasons ; the memory, and not the judgment, is appealed 
to, and in the generahty of schools all the instruction given 
amounts merely to transcription. So prevalent indeed is this sort 
of instruction, that it is thought by men of business impossible 
to obtain a competent knowledge of the art, except by dint of 
practice. But to say that book-keeping cannot be taught, or 
can only be learned in the counting-house, is as absurd as to say 
that geography can only be learned by visiting the countries des- 
cribed, nor astronomy, except by a journey to the stars. In fact 
it is to say, that there is no such thing as general principles. 

In this utilitarian age, the prevalent idea is not what you be- 
lieve ; hut what ca-n you do ? This question comes home with 
peculiar force to every individual when he attempts to obtain 



2 

employment from others, and many a worthy young man has 
been unable to obtain a situation, which would have led to 
wealth and influence, from his ignorance of this important branch 
of commercial education. It is marvellous how the useful and 
indispensable arts of writing and book-keeping are neglected in 
our public and private schools, for studies which, at best, are 
merely ornamental, and too often valueless. 

The present work has been prepared with special reference to 
the requirements of teachers and learners. My chief aim has 
been to be concise and intelligible, and to furnish a text-book 
so simple in its construction as to be easily understood, and yet 
so comprehensive as to contain all the information relative to 
the nature and arrangement of merchants' accounts which can 
possibly be imparted in the school-room. The principles and 
application of double-entry are unfolded with clearness and per- 
spicuity ; the rules are plain and unerring ; the precepts illus- 
trated by examples, and the subject divested of all unnecessary 
details and technicalities, so that the learner, instead of being a 
mere automaton, will be able to reason upon and comprehend 
what he is doing, or about to do. 

For the reader's better information, the table of contents is 
appended hereunto, and as to the work itself, I have merely to 
add, in the language of a quaint old writer, "that it is framed 
to the best of my skill and ability ; neither have I omitted aught 
which I conceive may make thee a proficient in the art. I have 
studied to be plain and inteUigible, and I commend the whole to 
thyself, wishing thee as much delight in the attaining the under- 
standing, as I have had in the compiling thereof. Hereby shalt 
thou acquire much rest and satisfaction in thy mind as to what 
concerns meum and tuum ; and Terify the saying, Distribuendo 
suum cuique neminem timeas ; giving every one his due, thou need- 
est not fear anybody." — Author^s Preface. J N 



"NIXON'S RUDIMENTS OF BOOK-KEEPING" 

I.— ADDRESS TO STUDENTS ON THE ESSENTIALS TO SUCCESS IN 
MERCANTILE PURSUITS. 

Integrity, industry and punctuality — Self-reliance — System and regularity — 
How to work — Story of the Clock — Qualifications — Hand-writing, how 
attained — Expertness in commercial calculations, results from constant 
practice — Importance and utility of book-keeping — Consequences of its 
neglect — Washington's example — General deportment — Valued and valua- 
ble qualities in a clerk. 

n.— EXPOSITION OF THE PRINCIPLES OF DOUBLE ENTRY. 

Nature and object of accounts — The terms Debtor and Creditor used in a 
general sense to distinguish the left from the right hand side of an account 
— Fundamental and immutable law of double-entry — Initiatory exercises — 
Journalizing and posting, exemplified — Personification of the accounts by 
Clark, Isler and De Morgan — The process of balancing exemplified — Alge- 
braic formula — Equilibrium of debtors and creditors established by means 
of the stock-account — Practical exercises — Summary and novel method of 
ascertaining the net-capital. 

III.— JOURNALIZING, POSTING, BALANCING, &c. 

Description of the subsidiary books — Rules for journalizing inferred from the 
nature and arrangement of the ledger — Knowledge of principles indispensa- 
ble — Rules should not usurp the place of reasons — Example of analysis — 
Hints to learners — Primary entries — Journal entries — Ledger — Trial-balance 
— Illustration of the terms Charge and Discharge — Bills, notes, or accept- 
ances — Forms and exemplifications — Bill transactions elucidated. 

IV.— QUERIES AND ANSWERS FOR REVIEW. 
What is Book-keeping? — What is the object of Book-keeping? — How is the 
object accomplished ? — What information should a merchant's book contain ? 
— How are articles arranged in the ledger ? — What constitutes the balance 
of a property account? — What does the balance-sheet exhibit? — Explain 
why two entries are required in every simple transaction ? — How are the 
accounts generalized or classified ? 

v.— APPLICATION OF PRINCIPLES— PRACTICAL EXEMPLI- 
FICATIONS. 
Set I. — Day-book, journal and ledger — Monthly journalizing — Commission 
business — Foreign trade — Pro-forma transactions. — Set II. — Day-book, jour- 
nal and ledger — Trial-balance, balance sheet, &c — Detection of errors — 
Novel classification of the accounts — Modern method of journalizing exem 
plified — Forms of cash and bill books. 



VI.— CHRONOLOGICAL LIST OF WORKS ON BOOK-KEEPING. 
'* That system of Book-keeping which is called the Italian method, from the 
country of its invention, and double-entry, from the arrangement of its 
ledger, was known and practised long anterior to the 14th century. The 
celebrated Fuggers, whose commercial transactions extended all over 
Europe, kept their books by this method ; and there is, in a private library 
at Augsburg, a ledger bearing date 1419, which differs but little from those 
now in use. The first work on the subject was written by Lucas Pacioli, 
better known by his local name, De Burgo, and printed at Venice, 1494. 
In 1531, John Gottleib published at Nuremburg the first German treatise on 
Book-keeping ; another work on the subject, by Valentine Menher, appeared 
at Antwerp, in 1565." 

The first work on Book-keeping, in the English language, was published at 
London, in 1543. The above list contains the titles of 172 distinct volumes, 
which have been published on this subject in England and America, from 
1543 to 1854, inclusive, and is the most complete catalogue of the kind extant. 
The first American treatise on Book-keeping was published at Philadelphia, in 
1796. 

TO TEACHERS. 

The course of study comprised in " Nixon's Rudiments of 
Book-keeping" is specially adapted to the requirements of 
our Public Schools, in which no serious attempt has hereto- 
fore been made to introduce a simple, uniform, well-devised 
method of teaching this highly useful and important branch 
of commercial education. The principles of the science are 
clearly unfolded ; the rules are plain and unerring ; the 
exercises are systematically and progressiv-ely arranged ; 
advancing by short and easy steps from the simple to the 
complex, and the transactions are such as will be easily 
understood by schoolboys. Questions for examination and 
review are printed at the bottom of the page ; the technical 
difficulties of the art are explained, and every possible effort 
has been made to dimmish the labor of the Teacher, and to 
facilitate the progress of the learner. 9 A O 

%* Single copies of " Nixon's Book-keepmg " will be Sfent 
to Teachers for examination, post paid, on receipt of 50 cents 
in money or postage stamps, by addressing F. J. Huntington 
23 Park Row, New York. «^ .v p/ g ,?, 



,0 



r\ X^ 



V- ^ 

























^r' 






'^■.^' 



,\^' 



.^^ 



-o O'^- 
*~^ -^*, 



*^ 






\* 
















.\^ 






■A 



■Nj q 






' "^oo^ 



<j 






.-*\'\ 







^ , X ■* s'\ 



A 



.^^ 






o 0' 



:y' s^^'/,. ">- 



v^- 



."^ ^.. 









O -'/ 



v\ 






^\ 



,->^' 






.s -'; 



c*-. 



%. •'"* v/'s.. 



-^^ 



-p. 






\^ 



f' ,, 



<-* 
























■^%' 



v^' 






.S^"-^. 



' V 



•-p. 









-'^ 



^v' .^ 


















•A^ 



>'^^\ 



-^V.. V- 




^^m 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 





006 718 359 9 




<} 


i^au 




n 


■i'll'-' 




i 


m 





